The History of Education for Learners with Visual Impairments in Kenya

Abstract

This paper traces the beginnings of education for Learners with Visual Impairments (LWVI) in Kenya and the strides made thereafter. In documenting this progress, the study used the historical research design in collection, analysis and interpretation of data. External and internal criticisms were used to evaluate the historical data. Information was sought through archival research, oral interviews and review of secondary materials in libraries. Data analysis was done qualitatively through triangulation and emerging themes were deduced. The findings reveal that there were some uncoordinated efforts in training of the persons with blindness before the establishment of the first educational institution for Persons with Visual Impairments (PWVI) in the year 1946. More organized forms of training for the PWVI at different levels would emerge later though at a slow rate. The findings thus present the early beginnings of education for LWVI before 1945, developments realized from 1945 to the time of Kenya’s independence in 1963 and advances made thereafter. Whereas the introduction of education for the PWVI in Kenya and its early progress relied on charity, the study concluded that this model slowly changed making education for PWVI as a fundamental human right at the present.