Kenya has recorded significant success in protecting albinos from discrimination and related attacks according to a report by a UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism Ikponwosa Ero. In the report released on Monday, it’s noted that Kenya has allocated substantial funds in the annual budget geared towards specific attention for persons with albinism.
In a press address in Nairobi, Ero lauded the government for rolling out an albinism program at the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) which provides free sunscreens, after-sun products and sun protective lip balm. “For this and other related programs, I’ve been informed that the government has allocated Kshs 100 million each fiscal year. This program is of immense importance in the prevention of skin cancer.”
Despite the tremendous success, she noted that there are still a number of challenges that have to be addressed. “I also urge Kenya to create a brief but comprehensive national plan in line with the Regional Action Plan to end violence against persons with albinism as recommended by the African Commission on Human and peoples’ rights.”
For a long time albinism-a genetic condition caused by lack of sufficient melanin in the human body-has been perceived by some communities in Africa as a tool for rituals, and this myth has led to suffering for albinos, in the form of mutilation, murder and human trafficking. She said research carried out early this year shows that people living with albinism in many parts of the country, especially in the border areas live in fear of attacks during the election periods in Kenya and bordering countries.
