Baringo: Hundreds of people participated in a five-kilometer charity walk to support the students of Kabarnet School for the Deafblind, who require special care due to their disabilities. The walk, which commenced at Kasoiyo Trading Centre in Baringo Central and concluded at the school grounds, aimed to raise funds for the institution, which is grappling with challenges such as inadequate food supply, water shortages, and lack of sanitation facilities, as well as fees arrears for the learners.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Baringo County Government collaborated with well-wishers to organize the event under the theme ‘Touch a Deaf, Blind Child with Love this Valentine’. Governor Benjamin Cheboi, who spearheaded the walk, emphasized the significance of the day as a demonstration of love and empathy towards the vulnerable members of the community. He highlighted that these young children possess potential and deserve equal opportunities to learn and succeed like their peers.
Governor Cheboi stressed the collective responsibility of both government levels, institutions, partners, and individuals to support deafblind children in accessing quality education, which is their right. Additionally, he called on the Ministry of Education to increase the funding allocated to the institution to ensure the smooth running of programs and address delayed salaries for the dedicated staff and teachers.
Area Member of Parliament Joshua Kandie pledged to collaborate with other legislators from the county to provide a school bus, enhancing mobility for the learners. He also encouraged parents to enroll their deafblind children in the institution to ensure they receive support to pursue their education to the highest level possible.
The principal of the institution, Salina Binot, expressed gratitude to all contributors to the event’s success, noting that the support will significantly address the basic needs of nearly 100 pupils. Ms. Binot also called for more such initiatives and revealed plans for the institution to engage in extensive agriculture this year as a means to generate income for self-sustainability.