NCPWD Disburses KSh 59M in Ustawi Scholarship Program to 2,201 Learners Nationwide
NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 17 – The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has achieved a significant milestone by disbursing over KSh 59 million through its flagship Ustawi Scholarship Program, directly impacting the lives of 2,201 learners across all 47 counties.
This strategic investment serves as a cornerstone of the Council’s mission to dismantle financial barriers, ensuring that high-quality education transitions from a distant luxury into a tangible reality for Persons with Disabilities.
By providing the scholarships, The Council is actively working to empower learners through increased access to education, specialized training, and rehabilitation.
The Ustawi program is designed as a comprehensive umbrella that incorporates our key education assistance, namely Faulu-which targets learners in primary special schools, secondary, and post-secondary institutions and Wezesha which provides critical support to bright but needy learners who have parents or guardians who are persons with disabilities.
According to Dr. Michael Munene, Executive Director NCPWD noted that during the 2026 academic year, the Council through the Ustawi Scholarship Program has disbursed KSh 59,277,149 to benefit 2,201 learners with disabilities across 847 educational institutions spanning all 47 counties.
“This commitment reflects our firm belief in the transformative power of education for learners with disabilities. We recognize that education is the bedrock of independence and self-reliance, empowering Persons with Disabilities to contribute to national development on equal terms with every other citizen”, said Dr. Munene.
Additionally to ensure the funds reach the students Immediately, the Council stated that they will dispatch cheques to its respective County Officers, who will deliver them directly to the educational institutions within their regions.
“While we celebrate these milestones, we must remain mindful of the immense challenges that continue to inhibit the educational pursuits of Persons with Disabilities, from minimal disability-friendly learning environments and a shortage of assistive devices to the heavy financial burden placed on parents and guardians, the hurdles are many”.
NCPWD highlighted that they are particularly concerned with the hidden costs of disability, such as the lifelong need for medication and the management of severe conditions, including incontinence.
In response, the Council has realigned its programs to address partially these realities Through our Autism and Other Related Developmental Disability Program (ARDD), we continue to fund therapy services, diagnostic testing, and essential supplies like diapers.
The Council views education as much more than just classroom learning: it is the Disabilities to escape the cycle of poverty, it is the most effective fool for primary pathway for economically and socially marginalized Persons with enhancing social standing and achieving full participation in society.
Because we Mentorship Unit within our Programs Department, This unit is specifically tasked view education as a top priority, we have established a dedicated Education and with ensuring that Persons with Disabilities receive the specialized support they need to navigate and succeed in their unique educational journeys.
The Persons with Disabilities Act, No. 4 of 2025, which was signed into law on May 8, 2025 strengthens council’s effort as this landmark legislation provides a robust legal framework that mandates inclusive education, free and compulsory basic education, and individualized support for learners with disabilities.
Further, the Council moving forward will leverage this Act to engage the Ministry of Education more deeply with a goal of ensuring full realization of these legal provisions, particularly through the adequate finaricing and in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
They expressed gratitude to the stakeholders including Kenya Pipeline Foundation, which supports 282 learners through its Inuka Scholarship program, and the KCB Foundation, which supports 100 learners.
“We call upon other partners and stakeholders to join us in this noble cause, As the entity entrusted with improving the lives of Persons with Disabilities, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that every learner can maximize their potential ana enjoy their educational journey without bariers”.
