A New Chapter of Growth at Kibos Special Secondary School

There are moments when progress becomes visible — not just in plans or promises, but in brick, mortar, and transformed lives. Our recent visit to Kibos Special Secondary School for the Visually Impaired was one such moment, as we proudly joined the school community to witness the launch and handover of a newly constructed two-storey modern building, comprising 12 fully furnished classrooms.

Newly built 2-storey building with 12 modern classes

This remarkable milestone was made possible through the unwavering support of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Riziki Foundation, our long-term partners whose commitment to inclusive education continues to open doors of opportunity for learners with visual impairment.

Founded in 1963, Kibos Special Secondary School has a deeply rooted history. The land on which the school stands was generously donated by the prison, following the realization that learners with visual impairment in Kenya’s South Rift region had limited access to secondary education. At the time, Thika High School for the Visually Impaired was the only available option, a distance too far for many students. Kibos was born out of necessity, vision, and a commitment to equity.

Over the years, the school has made tremendous progress, guided by dedicated leadership and a strong partnership with Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa. Together, we have supported the school’s transition into modern, technology-enabled learning through the adoption of digital assistive devices, including the Orbit Reader 20 and Orion TI-84 calculators, empowering learners to engage more independently and confidently with their studies.

Students using their Orbit Reader 20 devices

In October 2024, with the support of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we launched a computer lab equipped with 29 desktops and laptops installed with JAWS text-to-speech software. It was during this launch that a critical gap became clear: the school urgently needed more physical space. The computer lab had been set up in a regular classroom — a temporary solution that highlighted a growing need.

That need did not go unheard.

Launch of the computer lab by KBTA

Students using their desktops in the computer lab

A little over a year later, we stood in awe as the vision came full circle. The new building now provides the space, dignity, and learning environment that the students of Kibos deserve. Being present to witness this growth — from identifying the challenge to celebrating the solution — was deeply meaningful for our team.

To the management, staff, and students of Kibos Special Secondary School, we are incredibly proud of the journey you continue to walk. This milestone is not just about a building; it is about belief in the potential of every learner, and in what sustained partnership can achieve.

As we celebrate this achievement, we are reminded that when collaboration is rooted in purpose, lasting change becomes possible.