Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK), in collaboration with Kenya Navy and the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), joined the global community on 02 April 2026 to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day at the Kenya Navy Base (KNB) Mtongwe in Mombasa County.
The event, held under the theme “Autism and Humanity: Every Life Has Value,” sought to highlight the dignity of individuals living with autism, promote understanding of their unique needs and advocate for the creation of inclusive, neurodiverse friendly environments within society.
The day’s activities began with a courtesy call by the MWAK delegation, led by Chairlady Mrs Grace Kahariri, to Commander Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno, at the Kenya Navy Headquarters. This was followed by an awareness procession around the KNB Mtongwe, bringing together naval personnel and their families in a show of solidarity and support.
A key highlight of the event was an informative session conducted by specialists from The Kenya Navy Hospital (TKNH). These included health talks focusing on prenatal care, proper nutrition and the importance of psychosocial support for families raising children with autism.
In her address, Mrs Kahariri emphasized the importance of inclusion and societal transformation in supporting individuals with autism. She called on stakeholders to create sensory friendly spaces, adopt flexible employment practices and ensure access to quality inclusive education.
“Our goal must be active inclusion. This means creating sensory friendly environments, adopting flexibility hiring practices and providing quality, inclusive education. Let us pledge today to build a future where every autistic person can thrive, not just survive. Let us transform the world into a place where difference is not only tolerated but celebrated. Let’s light up the world with understanding, not just for one day in April but every day,” she said.
She added that plans are underway to have a classroom and therapy room for autistic children in every KDF sponsored school in the country.
Deputy Commander Kenya Navy, Brigadier General Sankale Kiswaa, reaffirmed the Kenya Defence Forces’ commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families, noting that strong family support systems directly enhance operational readiness. He further noted that autism should not be viewed as an inability but rather as a unique way of thinking and interacting with the environment.
“The Kenya Defence Forces is founded on strong principles of duty, solidarity and service to the nation. These principles extend beyond operational responsibilities to encompass the welfare of our personnel and their families, We recognize that behind every uniformed officer and service member is a family whose well-being directly contributes to the overall strength and readiness of the force,” said Brigadier General Kiswaa.
Dr. Norman Kiogora, Director of KISE, echoed these sentiments, urging society to eliminate stigma and foster environment where every individual can achieve their full potential.
“As we mark this day, let us build a society where every person is valued, every family is supported and every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Let us end stigma and commit to being an inclusive society. True humanity is measured not by our words but by our actions, ” said Dr Kiogora.
Adding a personal perspective, Ms Ancillar Mazia, a parent of a child living with autism, encouraged fellow parents and caregivers to embrace early diagnosis and seek professional guidance, underscoring the positive impact of timely intervention.
The event concluded on a heart-warming note, with children receiving assorted gifts, symbolizing care, appreciation and the community’s commitment to their well-being.
This year’s commemoration served as a powerful reminder that inclusion, compassion and awareness are collective responsibilities. Through continued advocacy, education and support, MWAK and the Kenya Defence Forces are paving the way for a more inclusive society where every individual, regardless of ability, is given the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully.
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