Omanyala To Grace Inaugural Autism Run In Nairobi
NAIROBI, Kenya- The Technology Service Providers of Kenya (TESPOK) have briefed the public on their readiness to host the inaugural Autism run in Nairobi this Sunday.
Present at the event were the Kenya National Highways Authority, Kenya Urban Roads Authority and the Kenya Police Service who assured the public of safety and security during the marathon.
The marathon has been necessitated by worrying statistics from The Autism Society of Kenya (ASK), that the Autism prevalence in Kenya could be up to 4%, or one autistic child for every 25 children, which is higher than the global average.
The marathon is set to facilitate Autism research to determine the statistics on Autism cases across Kenya, a public education campaign which will eliminate stigma around autism through creating acceptance and understanding amongst the affected.
Speaking during the briefing, the TESPOK board chairman, Hillary Itela shed light on employing diversity and inclusion to drive innovation and impact communities.
“We believe that introducing the first ever Autism marathon is our next step into not only transforming our society but also mining impeccable talents and perspectives that will bring creative and new solutions in Kenya and at the global level.” he said.
The TESPOK Autism Marathon ambassador, Ferdinand Omanyala highlighted the importance of drawing strength from the community to succeed.
“We must become the strong support system that voices the unheard and advocates for structures and systems that address the needs of the most vulnerable in the society” he said.
As part of the commitment to the cause, TESPOK has committed to spearhead this initiative that will create more awareness and understanding of Autism across the country, by rallying support from its members, corporates and the public to mobilize resources towards addressing the needs of people living with autism.
