An Investigation of the Educational Experiences of Children with Autism in Kenya
Children with autism in Kenya continue to suffer from a severe lack of awareness about the condition and a lack of advice and support during their early years and throughout their education. These children are often stigmatised as ‘disruptive’ and ‘cursed’, and provision of suitable schools is scarce. Even when parents have found a school, further barriers emerge such as a serious lack of effective teaching strategies and a lack of ambition for children to reach their full potential.
Advantage Africa conducted a research project in 2025 using timelines and focus group discussions with children with autism and their families in Kenya. The study was divided into two main sections. Firstly, parents / guardians were asked about their child’s early years – how they noticed differences in development and sought support. Secondly, the study focused on the primary years: how the parents / guardians accessed and experienced their child’s education.
The research findings exposed serious failings in the education system and wider support for children and families. The lack in general awareness of autism often extended beyond communities to medical professionals, and educationalists with parents often receiving incorrect and detrimental advice. Schools and teachers are ill-equipped to support the children, lacking training and knowledge of teaching strategies. They often limit autistic children to simple tasks such as colouring or playing with blocks. The overall quality of education can be summed up by our research finding, showing half of the parents rated their experience as ‘very poor’, with only two out of twelve rating the experience as ‘good’.
As one mother put it: 'It's not an education, schools are just babysitting'
It is important to consider the emotional toll on the parents. Frustrated by the stigma and absence of support, the study identified consequences for families such as ‘suicidal thoughts, family breakdown and financial struggles'.
In April 2025 Advantage Africa presented the research findings and recommendations in an important multi-stakeholder meeting in Nairobi. The meeting was attended by county-level education leaders including Kiambu County Education Director and senior representatives from academia and NGOs as well as young people with autism and their parents.
The research findings have lead to clear recommendations concerning improvements in:
- Information, Advice, and Early Support
- Educational Access and Suitability
- Teacher Training and Expertise
- School Resources and Infrastructure
- Government Oversight and Policy Implementation