The Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) hosted a delegation from Tangaza University’s Disability Inclusion Office and a representative from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). The visit was used for a joint assessment of TU-K’s infrastructure, services, and equipment to establish if they accessible and inclusive for learners with disabilities.
The delegation included Leonard Dawafula, Chief Disability Services Officer at NCPWD; Dr. Judith Pete, Service-Learning Coordinator at Tangaza University; and Victoria Mwende, Personal Assistant from Tangaza's Disability Inclusion Office. The guests were received by Prof. Alfred Orina, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Technology Development, along with the University’s Disability and Mainstreaming Committee, led by Prof. Tom Kwanya (Chair), Dr. Argwings Kodhek (Vice-Chair), Brenda Kiema (Disability Inclusion Officer), and other administrative staff.
This visit came about following the signing of an MoU between TU-K and Tangaza University earlier this year to promote inclusive education. The MoU will remain in force for three years. The parties intend to work together for their mutual benefit on disability inclusive education through trainings, workshops, seminars, and disability awareness events in their institutions.
Some of the areas of collaboration identified included capacity building on inclusive practices and inclusive teaching (faculty and administrative staff), Organise disability inclusive
practices workshops and seminars for the parties’ leaders and stakeholders, Carry out baseline survey, end line survey, and accessibility assessments in the institutions, among many other
During the meeting, Prof. Orina expressed his eagerness to learn from Tangaza University’s achievements in creating a supportive learning environment for students with disabilities. He emphasised the importance of raising awareness among lecturers on how to assess and support these students. He also noted the potential benefits of establishing a specialised laboratory at TU-K, modelled on Tangaza’s laboratory. Such a lab would feature assistive technology, including screen readers, magnifiers, and braille displays.
Leonard Dawafula of NCPWD provided an overview of the services the Council offers to institutions supporting persons with disabilities. He explained that NCPWD provides infrastructure grants, with priority given to institutions that serve a larger number of learners with disabilities. Additionally, NCPWD offers Kenyan Sign Language training for government officers annually, pays school fees for learners through HELB, and supports graduates in acquiring skills for self-employment.
The delegation inspected key infrastructure and services at TU-K, focusing on accessibility for learners with disabilities, particularly in the built environment and ICT facilities. They also met with key departments, including Procurement, the Dean of Students’ Office, Human Resources, and ICT, to ensure that their programmes are inclusive, and that the University complies with the 5% employment rule for staff with disabilities. The team also reviewed the University’s disability policy to evaluate its content and implementation.
This assessment is expected to provide valuable insights for TU-K as it continues to enhance its inclusivity and support for persons with disabilities.
