Most programmes in special needs education rely on donor funding, with only some support provided by the government.

The government pays for teachers' salaries, school supervision, examinations, curriculum development, some non-teaching staff salaries, learning materials, and students' tuition. Parents and the local community are supposed to provide physical facilities and equipment. This negatively affects special schools, which have far less students than "normal" schools.

The government provides schools with approximately KES 1,020/- per student ($14.57) and KES 3,020/- per special needs students ($43.14). The extra KES 2,000/- for special needs students money is meant to accommodate needed support services and learning materials. The government does provide some additional grants to special schools and units.

Many special schools provide boarding facilities for students who cannot easily travel every day. Since many parents cannot afford the fees, schools and individual parents often seek out the assistance of donors and well-wishers. Some parents are forced to take their deaf children out of school because of the expenses.

Reference:

"Report of the Task Force on Special Needs Education Appraisal Exercise," Kenyan Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, November 2003. Chairman: Dr. Edwards Kochung.