Kenya: Govt to introduce exam for people with disabilities

A special test for students with physical disabilities is being prepared and could even be administered this year, President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced.

The President said the Ministry of Education has given its commitment to ensure that objective is realised this year. He took up the issue of examination for disabled students after he interacted with students from Thika Joytown School, who participated in the President’s Award Scheme and reached the peak of Mount Kenya.

The students had performed a skit that convinced the President that it has all along being wrong to subject students with physical disabilities to the same exam format as other students. «We want them to be the best that they can be,» the President said.

The Head of State made the announcement after he hosted the winners of this year’s Kenya National Drama Festivals at State Lodge, Sagana.

President Kenyatta said the Government will continue spending more money in promoting talent. The government will also commit more money to make the new Film School, which was established under President Kenyatta’s directive, bigger.

At the same time, President Kenyatta said he will push to expand the drama festivals so that it becomes a regional event.

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«It is my wish that by next year, we host a regional festival that includes schools and universities from Uganda and other countries in the region,» the President said.

Officials from Uganda’s education ministry attended this year’s festival to learn from and use the Kenya National Drama Festival as a benchmark.

President Kenyatta said also directed the Ministry of Education to ensure that the talented students who perform in award winning dramas are rewarded. He said one way was to set up a scholarship that will benefit the best talents.

The President also asked officials of the ministry to ensure winning actors are not exploited. «Ensure these students are not exploited. The talent should benefit those who sweat. We do not want people just picking their ideas and leaving the actors and trainers with nothing,» the President said.

More than 18,000 students participated in the drama festivals whose finals were held in Meru before the winners traveled to Sagana to be hosted by President Kenyatta.