Trans Nzoia Autism Group posing for a photo before the flagging off to mark World Autism Day 2025. Photo: Sefu Sabila.
As the World marks World Autism Day, parents have been urged to come out and register their children living with the condition with the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
Speaking during the event held at Kitale Museum on Wednesday, April 2, Ben Mokora, from the office of persons living with disability, said the total number of children living with autism is over a hundred, with Kiminini Sub-County registering the highest number at over 40.
He disclosed that Endebess has the lowest number of registered, followed by the rest of the sub-counties including Saboti with 20, Cherangani 20, Kwanza with a similar number.
“According to the reports and statistics in our register, we have over 100 from different sub-counties. Kiminini has the highest number of the registered persons with autism at more than 40, with the rest of sub-counties having close to more than 20. However, the number of people registered in Endebess sub-county is very low,” Makora stated.
He called on intensive awareness in the sub-counties, more so Endebess which has less 10 identified persons, to allow them be part of the larger movement in the Trans Nzoia Autism Group, as well as NCPWD.
He said the identified children have a budget that lessens the parent’s burden of bringing up their children, including scholarships, Inua Jamii cash transfer and school fees, calling on parents to come out and not be left out on the benefits in the Autism group.
“We need more awareness in the sub-counties, to ensure that everyone is included in the Autism group. We have their needs taken up by the government like scholarships, so parents should not leave the children at home. Even in the cash transfer funds Autism is taken as a severe disability, they are always given the first priority,” he explained.
Victor Imbayi, CEO Hayers Empire, one of the partners of the events further is urging parents to come out, for easier access to donations like pads and sanitary towels for adolescent girls, which can only be easier to identify once they are in groups and registered.
The event was flagged off by Saboti Deputy County Commissioner Emma Kibara, who reinforced the need of parents to register with Social Health Authority (SHA), to reduce the cost of treatment.
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