Nominated senator Karen Nyamu speaking before the senate/HANDOUT
For years, many Kenyan families raising children with autism have faced a lonely and expensive journey, moving from one hospital to another in search of answers while battling stigma and limited support. A new Bill before the Senate now seeks to change that reality.
The Autism Management Bill, 2025, sponsored by Senator Karen Nyamu, proposes a comprehensive national framework to improve early diagnosis, expand access to treatment and create greater awareness about autism spectrum disorder.
The proposed law aims to provide long-overdue support to families that have largely navigated autism without adequate state assistance.
While moving the Bill in the Senate, Nyamu said the legislation goes beyond healthcare and addresses issues of equality, dignity and inclusion.
"The Autism Management Bill is not just another piece of legislation before this House. It is legislation that promotes compassion, equality and inclusivity," she said.
Autism spectrum disorder affects communication, social interaction and behaviour, with support needs varying from one individual to another.
According to the Autism Society of Kenya, an estimated four per cent of the population, or about 2.2 million people, may be on the autism spectrum, although Kenya does not have a nationally representative prevalence study.
Health experts have also raised concerns over delayed diagnosis, with many children only being identified after the age of four.
The Bill seeks to tackle widespread misconceptions surrounding autism, including beliefs that link the condition to witchcraft or curses.
It proposes nationwide public awareness campaigns aimed at educating communities and reducing the stigma that many families continue to face.
The legislation also seeks to improve the inclusion of autistic children in schools by ensuring learning institutions are better equipped to meet their needs.
Nyamu further wants autism-related treatment covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to ease the financial burden on families, many of whom spend heavily on therapy services.
She also raised concerns over alleged discrimination by some insurers against families that disclose autism diagnoses.
Beyond healthcare, the Bill proposes increased training for health workers and education professionals, improved data collection systems and stronger coordination between national and county governments in delivering autism-related services.
It also advocates for a multidisciplinary approach that brings together therapists, caregivers and medical experts to improve outcomes for autistic individuals.
Senators supporting the Bill, among them Samson Cherarkey, called for increased awareness and urged parents not to hide children living with autism, saying the condition is medically manageable.
Debate on the proposed legislation is expected to continue in the Senate.
