The harsh reality of living with cerebral palsy

In Kenya, cerebral palsy (CP) remains one of the most misunderstood and neglected neurological conditions affecting children. Thousands of children live with CP, yet their stories are often hidden behind stigma, poverty, and a struggling healthcare system.

Health experts are urgently calling for early diagnosis, inclusive policies, and caregiver support, arguing that Kenya’s current systems are failing children with CP and their families.

“Many parents only realise their children have cerebral palsy after years of struggle,” says Olive Oudu, an occupational therapist based in Kisumu. “They first notice stiffness in the limbs, trouble sitting or walking, or missed milestones. Sadly, by the time they seek help, the brain injury is already permanent.”

Olive, who has worked with hundreds of children in Kisumu County, says awareness is still dangerously low—both among parents and healthcare workers. “Some cases result from birth complications, such as asphyxia, others from preventable conditions, such as meningitis or severe jaundice. Early screening must become routine at maternity and child health clinics,” she explains.

She adds that the government must train health workers to recognise developmental delays and invest in early intervention. But even when diagnosed, treatment is often out of reach for most families. “We have very few therapists in public hospitals. In Kisumu, children come from neighbouring counties—Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, because local hospitals lack therapy services.”
Therapy costs are a major barrier. A single session in a private facility can cost between Sh500 and Sh2,000, and children need therapy multiple times a week. “Most families cannot afford it and many give up,” Olive says.

The emotional burden is also immense. Many mothers report feeling isolated, abandoned, and blamed for their child’s condition. “Mothers tell me they cry silently every night. Fathers often walk away, believing the child is cursed. We must destigmatise cerebral palsy and bring fathers back into caregiving roles,” Olive shares.

Understanding the condition

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that affects movement, posture, and coordination due to brain injury before, during, or after birth. Its severity varies, some children can walk, others require full-time care and assistive devices. “Cerebral palsy is not a disease. It’s a condition caused by brain injury. What matters most is early detection and intervention,” says Dr Katherine

Oyieke, a paediatric neurologist, stressing that the first year of life is critical. “If a baby is not rolling, sitting, or crawling on time, that’s a red flag. Early therapy helps the brain adapt and improves mobility and independence.”

But Kenya’s healthcare system is ill-equipped to support children with neurodevelopmental needs. “We lack enough specialists, paediatric neurologists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. Every county should have a multidisciplinary team,” she adds.

Dr Oyieke calls for CP services to be included in the Social Health Authority (SHA) coverage to ease the financial burden on families. 

George Odhiambo from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) says a major issue is the lack of accurate data. “The 2019 census underreported disability. Globally, 10 to 15 per cent of people live with a disability, but Kenya’s data shows far fewer. That means thousands of children with CP are invisible in national planning.”

The NCPWD is addressing this by registering children during community health events and offering support such as assistive devices, therapy grants, and bursaries.

A recent milestone is the Persons with Disabilities Act (2025), which for the first time recognises caregivers as beneficiaries of support programmes.

“They will receive tax exemptions, retirement benefits, and be eligible for support. Still, the financial struggle is huge. Some families spend over Sh10,000 a month on care,” says Odhiambo. 

Stigma remains a persistent barrier. “In some communities, parents hide their children or are told they’re cursed. We’re working with religious and local leaders to change these harmful beliefs. Every child deserves education, visibility, and love.”

Structural barriers

George Omamo from the Kisumu County Department of Health says access to care is still a major problem; “Most public hospitals are not disability-friendly. Therapy rooms often require parents to carry wheelchair-using children up stairs. It’s unacceptable.” He also warns about poorly fitted or donated assistive devices. “Children are getting worse because of improper wheelchairs. Every device must be prescribed after a proper medical assessment.”

Kisumu County is now training community health workers to identify children with developmental issues and is integrating disability services in hospitals.

Eunice Achieng, 35, from Kisumu West, is the mother of a three-year-old boy with CP. Her son suffered birth complications and didn’t cry at birth. “At three months, he couldn’t move his limbs properly. That’s when I was told he had CP,” she recalls.

Her husband left soon after, accusing her of infidelity. “I almost gave up. But I love my child. I do casual jobs to pay for therapy and medicine. It’s hard, but hope keeps me going,” she says.

Dr Oyieke says caregivers, such as Eunice need mental health support. “Many suffer from anxiety, depression, and burnout. Counselling and peer support groups must be part of CP management.”

Experts agree that Kenya must shift from a charity-based to a rights-based approach. “Every county should have at least one rehab centre with occupational, physio, and speech therapists,” Olive says.