Kenya Defence Forces Marks World Cerebral Palsy Day

The Kenya Defence Forces marked World Cerebral Palsy Day on October 6 across multiple military establishments, focusing on early intervention, rehabilitation, and family support for personnel raising children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Activities took place at the Defence Forces Wellness Centre in Lang’ata Garrison, Lanet Regional Hospital, and Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe, according to official reports.

Observing World Cerebral Palsy Day at Defence Establishments

Military families, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and welfare personnel gathered at the Defence Forces Wellness Centre in Lang’ata Garrison under the theme “Together Stronger.” Organised by the Military Wives Association of Kenya, the event featured a procession led by the Kenya Army Band to highlight solidarity and dignity for affected families.

Lang’ata Barracks Commandant Brigadier Balata served as chief guest. He stated that supporting persons living with cerebral palsy is a shared responsibility and urged society to remove barriers limiting their participation and development.

At Defence Headquarters, Chief of Compensation and Welfare Brigadier Rodha Mkavita praised the endurance of parents and caregivers who offer everyday care. She reaffirmed the Welfare Branch’s commitment to ensuring military families requiring specialised assistance can access available support services.

Expanding Rehabilitation and Specialised Care Services

Defence Forces Wellness Centre Commandant Colonel Bii outlined the facility’s growing rehabilitation capabilities, which include an operational workshop that provides external prostheses and orthotic services for neuromusculoskeletal needs.

Speaking on behalf of Military Wives Association of Kenya Chairperson Mrs Grace Kahariri, Mrs Rose Ng’ang’a announced plans to establish an Educational Assessment and Resource Centre at Thika Garrison Primary School. The initiative involves collaboration with the Kenya Institute of Special Education and the World Bank. The planned centre will provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and access to assistive devices, reducing travel requirements for families seeking assessments in Nairobi.

The association has also equipped a therapy room at the Kahawa Special Unit in accordance with Ministry of Education guidelines. Parents and communities were urged to reject stigma and ensure children living with disabilities are registered, assessed, and integrated into family and school life.

Chief Physical Medical Officer Colonel Omar explained that cerebral palsy requires coordinated multidisciplinary care involving medical specialists, therapists, nurses, caregivers, and families.

Regional Commemorations in Lanet and Mtongwe

At Lanet Regional Hospital, healthcare providers and caregivers promoted early identification, appropriate intervention, and inclusive healthcare.

Under the banner “Unique and United,” the Kenya Navy observed the occasion at Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe. Urging caregivers to celebrate every step of their children’s advancement instead of viewing them purely through their diagnosis, Deputy Commander Colonel Stephen Kimani addressed the gathering. He highlighted early identification, timely intervention, and consistent rehabilitation as critical to improving functional independence.

Colonel Kimani commended the Kenya Navy Hospital, Welfare Department, and the Military Wives Association of Kenya for supporting affected children through physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and mobility assistance.