Hundreds of children with disabilities, caregivers, teachers, and local leaders gathered at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium for the Eastern Region Sunshine Rally, a flagship event aimed at celebrating children with disabilities and advocating for their full inclusion in society.
The event brought together participants from Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, and Kajiado counties, serving as the fifth and final instalment of a nationwide series organised by Rotary clubs in Eastern Kenya under Rotary District 9212.
Previous rallies were held in the Coast, Western, Nairobi, and Mt. Kenya regions.
Beyond the celebrations, the rally functioned as a strategic advocacy platform to shift public narratives and strengthen the visibility of children living with disabilities with organisers highlighting that despite existing policy frameworks supporting inclusion in Kenya, many of these children continue to face systemic barriers in education, infrastructure, and social participation—particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where access to specialised services remains limited.
The event hosted 650 children with disabilities drawn from schools across the region, offering them a space for play, interaction, and recognition.
“The Sunshine Rally is about dignity and belonging. Every child deserves to be recognised, to play, to learn, and to feel part of society,” Kilonzo said.
District Governor Nominee Dr. Patrisio Njeru called on families and communities to take a more active role in supporting children with disabilities, particularly by ensuring access to education and healthcare. He urged an end to practices that isolate such children from community life.
“We must move away from the culture of hiding children with disabilities. When children are kept at home, they miss out on education, social interaction, and even critical medical support. Taking them to school and into community spaces is essential for their development and wellbeing,” Dr. Njeru noted.
The rally reinforced Rotary’s broader commitment to inclusion and community impact, with organisers calling for sustained collaboration between families, educators, policymakers, and civil society to break down barriers and create equitable opportunities for all children.
