During this year, Mother’s Day celebrations held on Sunday, May 10, 2026, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) renewed calls for affirmative action to support female teachers living with disabilities and those raising children with special needs.

The union urged the government and education stakeholders to embed inclusivity and recognition of teachers with disabilities into promotions and policy-making within the education sector.

KUPPET Nairobi Branch Chairperson Peter Wafula explained that the event was organized to honor their members, specifically mothers living with disabilities and those raising children with special needs, emphasizing that many of them continue to show resilience despite ongoing challenges.

“We are celebrating Mother’s Day in a special way by honouring mothers living with disabilities and those with children with special needs. It is important to recognise their resilience and dedication,” said Wafula. He asked the government and education stakeholders to ensure persons living with disabilities are fully considered when policies are formulated and implemented.

 

Branch Secretary General Isaac Masenge pressed for the creation of dedicated gender and Persons with Disabilities desks to better respond to challenges facing teachers. He added that “The Teachers Service Commission should consider women living with disabilities, as well as those raising children with special needs, when handling issues of promotion.”

Nairobi Branch Gender Secretary Risper Otwori called on both families and the government to safeguard teachers and children with disabilities by developing more disability-friendly environments in schools and workplaces.

Meanwhile, Elsie Njuguna, the Branch Chairperson for Gender and PWD, advocated for greater recognition and equitable treatment of teachers with disabilities, especially in career progression. “Let us celebrate our mothers and teachers who are often forgotten, yet their contribution to society through education remains invaluable,” said Njuguna. She noted that this year’s theme was: “Celebrating Resilience and Honouring Mothers’ Contribution in Empowering Society Through Education.”