April 14, 2026
While Kenya continues to make commendable strides in health infrastructure and policy, CP remains largely invisible in the national health dialogue, tucked into the margins of disability policy and parental silence. However, it is time to reframe our understanding of this condition as both a social and public health concern that warrants targeted investment, research, and reform.
CP is the most common motor disability in childhood globally. It is a lifelong neurological condition that primarily affects movement and posture, often accompanied by visual, auditory, and cognitive impairments. The global prevalence is estimated at 1-4 children per 1,000 live births. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the burden is higher, with prevalence rates estimated to reach up to 10 per 1,000 births in certain regions, according to the African Child Neurology Association.