Nakuru: More than 220 learners with hearing and speech impairments at Ngala School for the Deaf in Nakuru can now conduct science practicals after receiving a modern mobile laboratory, donated by Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) aimed at strengthening STEM learning.
According to Kenya News Agency, the donation, led by ENAF President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jennifer Riria, is intended to bridge the gap in practical Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education for learners with disabilities who often rely on theoretical lessons. Dr. Riria noted that unlike stationary laboratories, the mobile unit is portable and can be moved between classrooms or used outdoors for experiments.
She said mobile laboratories are less expensive than traditional brick-and-mortar labs and help bring scientific tools closer to learners. Dr. Riria emphasized that children with disabilities should not be excluded from science education, adding that they require equal opportunities like other learners. "We are taking a lead in encouraging communities to support inclusive education and help less fortunate learners," she said.
She further mentioned that the Organisation has introduced science clubs to strengthen practical learning among learners at the school. The CEO highlighted that the initiative marks over 40 years of the organisation's work in Kenya, having reached over 3 million women through empowerment programmes. She added that the Organisation plans to expand across East Africa, focusing on women's leadership, financial inclusion, and peace initiatives.
Dr. Riria pointed out that financial inclusion remains central to their mission, describing it as a key entry point to solving other challenges. The donation is part of the Girls Excel Initiative which has reached 17 schools across 14 counties, promoting inclusive STEM education. Ngala School for the Deaf is the first in Nakuru County to receive the facility and will serve as a benchmarking centre for other institutions.
Dr. Riria urged stakeholders to support inclusive education initiatives noting that collaboration is key to improving outcomes for learners with disabilities. The mobile laboratory is expected to significantly enhance access to hands-on science learning for learners with disabilities, particularly in subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics which often require practical demonstration to fully understand scientific concepts.
It is also expected to improve learner engagement and performance in STEM subjects by providing real-life experimentation opportunities within the school environment. Education stakeholders have welcomed the initiative saying it aligns with national goals of inclusive education and equitable access to quality learning resources.
ENAF noted that its broader mission is to empower vulnerable communities through education support, financial inclusion, and leadership development programmes across Africa. Officials at the school expressed optimism that the mobile laboratory will inspire learners to pursue STEM-related careers in the future.
The initiative complements government efforts to promote competency-based curriculum implementation and ensure learners with disabilities are not left behind in science education. Science clubs established at the school are expected to provide structured platforms where learners can collaborate, experiment, and build scientific curiosity.
The organisation plans to scale similar interventions to other special needs schools across Kenya and eventually the wider East African region. Dr. Riria reiterated that inclusive education is essential for national development and that no learner should be excluded due to disability.
The mobile laboratory is expected to serve as a model for replication in other counties seeking to strengthen STEM learning in special schools. Stakeholders said the partnership demonstrates the importance of collaboration between private sector actors and education institutions in improving learning outcomes.
Such initiatives are expected to continue expanding, ensuring that learners with disabilities receive equal opportunities to participate fully in science, technology, and innovation education across all learning levels in Kenya going forward steadily.