Passaris Champions Autism-Inclusive Laws at East African Symposium
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By John Kariuki
Nairobi Woman Representative Hon. Esther Muthoni Passaris has urged a move from autism awareness to concrete legislative action during her keynote address at the East African Symposium for Autism, hosted by Step Up 4 Autism.
As Chief Guest, Passaris emphasized the urgent need for policies that directly support individuals on the autism spectrum. She revealed that Parliament is working on autism-focused legislation aimed at improving access to education, healthcare, and employment for neurodiverse individuals.
“Advocacy must go beyond awareness—it must translate into rights, access, and representation,” said Passaris. She called on government agencies and fellow legislators to embed neurodiversity into Kenya’s national development agenda.
The symposium brought together regional stakeholders to address persistent challenges including limited diagnostic services, societal stigma, and inadequate support systems. Participants stressed the importance of inclusive policy frameworks to overcome these barriers.
Passaris’ presence underscored growing political will to prioritize autism support and foster an inclusive society where neurological differences are not only accepted but embraced.
With new legislation on the horizon and growing regional cooperation, Kenya is poised to lead the way in autism advocacy across East Africa.
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