The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced changes in the names of schools serving learners with disabilities. In a circular dated October 7, 2025, and addressed to all Regional Directors of Education, County Directors of Education, and Sub-County Directors of Education, MoE directed all schools to change the terminology from “Schools for the Mentally Handicapped” to “Schools for Learners with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.”
The Ministry noted that the changes followed concerns from education stakeholders and members of the public regarding the continued use of the term “School for the Mentally Handicapped” when referring to these institutions.
“All schools, units, and education offices shall be informed of this change and guided by the terminologies contained in the Sector Policy for Learners and Trainees with Disabilities (2018),” read the circular in part.
Ministry of Education Bans Use of ‘Mentally Handicapped’ in School Names
Education Principal Secretary (PS) Julius Bitok said the move is part of ongoing reforms to ensure the language used in schools upholds dignity, respect, and inclusivity for persons with disabilities.
“Language shapes perception. The words we use can either uplift or demean,” said Prof. Bitok. “This change reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that learners with disabilities are treated with respect and accorded the dignity they deserve.”
The Ministry noted that the policy recognizes the following categories of learners:
- Hearing Impairment (from hard of hearing to deafness).
- Visual Impairment (from low vision to blindness).
- Deaf blindness.
- Physical Impairment.
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
- Specific Learning Disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia).
- Cerebral Palsy.
- Speech and Language Difficulties.
- Multiple Disabilities.
- Autism; and
- Albinism.
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The circular cited Article 54 (1)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees persons with disabilities the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be addressed in a manner that is not demeaning, read the circular in part.
“In addition, the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, Article 16, provides that every person with a disability has the right to human dignity and to be respected and protected from any language or description that may be demeaning, embarrassing, derogatory, or otherwise undermine their dignity,” read the circular further.
The Ministry further noted that, at the international level, Kenya ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2008. Article 8 (1)(b) of the Convention mandates member states to combat stereotypes, prejudices, and harmful practices.
According to MoE, the continued use of terms such as “mentally handicapped” is demeaning and, consequently, contravenes Kenya’s constitutional, statutory, and international obligations.
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Directive to Schools
Schools are expected to begin sensitization campaigns among staff, parents, and learners on respectful, person-first language.
Institutions have until June 30, 2026, to fully update all signage, school records, and official materials to reflect the new terminology.
County and sub-county education officers have been tasked with ensuring that the directive is implemented, communicated, and monitored across all learning institutions.
The Ministry emphasized that schools must conduct regular awareness sessions to reinforce inclusivity and ensure effective communication and full integration of learners with disabilities within the education system.
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