The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), in collaboration with the LEGO Foundation and UNICEF, has officially launched the Tusome Pamoja with Braille project—an ambitious three-year initiative designed to enhance Braille literacy and foster inclusive learning among visually impaired learners in Kenya.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, the initiative will be rolled out across 17 counties and two refugee camps, aiming to reach over 18,600 children and train more than 6,000 teachers, including Early Childhood Development (ECD) instructors. The project combines innovative Braille learning tools such as LEGO Braille bricks with play-based methodologies to make education both accessible and enjoyable.
“We have worked closely with LEGO Foundation and UNICEF to introduce this program so that children can learn in a playful and enjoyable manner. We want to ensure they benefit fully from the curriculum,” said Dr. William Sugut, Managing Director at the Ministry of Education, Director for secondary education during the launch.
Dr. Norman Kiogora, Director of KISE, emphasized the importance of sustainability and long-term vision. “Once the pilot phase in the 17 counties is complete, we will analyze the data to plan for nationwide implementation. The goal is to ensure every visually impaired learner across Kenya can benefit,” he noted.
To support the program’s rollout and address the major barrier of affordability, the government is constructing a large-scale factory at KISE to locally manufacture and repair Braille machines. The move aims to drastically cut the cost of assistive learning devices, which currently remains out of reach for many families and institutions.
“The cheapest Braille machine costs around Ksh 120,000. This is a significant barrier for learners,” said Dr. Kiogora. “By producing these devices locally, we will make them cost-effective and accessible.”
The lack of adequate resources and societal awareness are also key challenges faced by visually impaired learners in Kenya. Many parents and communities remain unaware of how to support children with visual impairments, further compounding the learning gap.
The LEGO Foundation is providing free Braille learning bricks and conducting specialized teacher training sessions. A representative from the foundation expressed excitement about the initiative and its potential to change perceptions around Braille.
“As we approach the 200th anniversary of the Braille code in 2025, we want to remove the dust on top of it and make Braille fun, appealing, and attractive for all children,” said the representative. “Inclusion means not only creating activities for blind learners but inviting sighted children to participate and learn together.”
The foundation has already conducted a week-long training in Kenya and will continue to support the rollout with resources and capacity-building.
The Pamoja Tusome with Braille project aligns with Kenya’s broader goal of ensuring inclusive education for all learners, regardless of ability. With strategic partnerships, government commitment, and innovative tools, the program is set to transform the educational landscape for children with visual impairments.
“We are grateful for the support of LEGO Foundation, UNICEF, the media, and all stakeholders. This project will change lives,” said Dr. Kiogora.