Why 118 Special Needs Students Landed at Lenana School

Systematic error in the Ministry of Education’s admission portal has sparked a national conversation after 118 students with special needs were placed at Lenana School this January, nearly 30 times the institution’s designated capacity.

In a formal statement released on January 24, 2026, the Laibon Society (the school’s official alumni association) sought to “set the record straight” regarding social media rumors and allegations of bullying and discrimination following the influx.

“The Laibon Society, as the official alumni association of Lenana School, is compelled to address recent social media posts that have sought to cast aspersions on our alma mater. These posts concern the admission of students with special needs and allegations of bullying,” The Laibon Society stated on a post.

Also Read: Ruto’s Party Responds After Court Declared Merger With ANC Unconstitutional

Admission Crisis

According to the statement, Lenana School is officially equipped to accommodate only four (4) students with special needs per year, based on its current infrastructure and specialized support staff.

The Society clarified that the surge to 118 students was not a school-led decision but a “systemic error” by the Ministry of Education (MoE).

The MoE has reportedly acknowledged the mistake and taken full responsibility for the oversight.

“Lenana School is officially approved to accommodate four (4) students with special needs per year, based on the school’s infrastructure and specialized support resources. Lenana has consistently demonstrated its commitment to Inclusive education within these approved parameters,” The Laibon Society stated on a post.

The society further stated that the MoE has committed to establishing a dedicated Special Needs Education Unit at Lenana School, complete with appropriately trained teachers, specialized Infrastructure, and comprehensive support systems.

Also Read: Ministry Warns Kenyans as Tree-Hugging and Ultra-Marathons Surge

Standing Against “Malicious” Claims

The association also addressed circulating rumors regarding the treatment of these new students, specifically dismissing claims of bullying and “unfounded attacks” on the school’s reputation.

They emphasized that the school’s history of inclusivity, noting that Lenana has a proud legacy of producing “great differently abled Kenyans.”

They characterized the recent social media backlash as a distortion of facts designed to damage an “institution of national heritage.”

“Lenana School has not denied admission to any student with special needs. The School has simply and responsibly advocated for the resources necessary to serve these students with the required quality and care,” The Laibon Society stated on a post.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel for Instant News Updates

Ministry of Education building in Nairobi. PHOTO/ Nation.