About me
I’m Felix Otieno.
Disability inclusion specialist with 5+ years’ experience at the intersection of education, health systems, and research-informed practice. Currently supporting national disability inclusion efforts under Kenya’s Ministry of Education, with hands-on involvement in data-driven screening, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and inclusive programme design.
Experienced in co-developing toolkits, supporting technical working groups, coordinating stakeholders, and translating field insights into practical resources and written outputs. Strong interest in advancing disability-inclusive health research, participatory approaches, and equitable evidence systems aligned with the social model of disability.
4,700+
Learners screened for disabilities across multiple counties via BaWOP outreach
400+
Teachers trained in inclusive and gender-responsive pedagogy
150+
Schools worked with across various programmes targeting disability inclusion and inclusive education.
18
Perkins Braillers assessed and restored in Mandera County
About Felix
The work sits where policy meets the classroom
I’m Felix Otieno — a Special Needs Educator and Inclusive Education Specialist working across Kenya. My focus is on making sure children with disabilities actually get the support that national policies promise.
That work has taken me to screening tents in Turkana, teacher training workshops in Samburu, policy review meetings in Nairobi, and braille reform discussions that shape how an entire generation of blind children will read. I work with governments, NGOs, and communities — because inclusion doesn’t happen from any one of those alone.
I hold a Master’s degree in Inclusive Education and have spent over a decade working at the intersection of disability rights, education policy, and field programme delivery in East Africa.
Experience
Professional Journey
April 2025 — Present
Special Needs Education Officer / Technical Consultant — Ministry of Education (DSNE)
Coordinated multidisciplinary screening and referral for 4,770+ learners, strengthened access to assistive devices and inclusive support, co-developed the national Inclusive Education Toolkit for ECE, trained 400+ officers, and represented Kenya at the 2026 Global Disability-Inclusive Education Conference.
Ongoing
Technical Contributor & Research Support — The Action Foundation (TAF), Kenya
Supported research and evidence generation on disability-inclusive early childhood education and gender-responsive approaches, co-developed toolkit content, and helped translate research into practical classroom strategies for marginalised learners.
Ongoing
Inclusive Pedagogy Specialist — CHAI (Building a World of Play)
Promoted inclusive pedagogies in special and integrated schools, co-developed adaptive play-based learning tools, and coached teachers on creating inclusive recreation and therapy environments for children with disabilities.
January 2023 — March 2025
Special Needs Education Teacher — St. Paul’s Igonga High School
Integrated assistive technology and adaptive methods that raised participation of learners with disabilities by 40%, led a 230+ member Peer Counsellors Club focused on emotional intelligence and inclusive leadership, and facilitated parent/caregiver sessions on safeguarding and disability awareness.
2022 — Present
Volunteer — Kosi Africa (EduGreen Project)
Contributed to education and environmental initiatives under the EduGreen project, supporting inclusive learning opportunities and community engagement after graduation.
January 2021 — November 2022
Special Needs Teacher — Joy Valley Special Secondary School
Developed and implemented Individualized Education Plans with caregiver involvement and collaborated with therapists to support physical rehabilitation, mobility, and adaptive equipment use for students.
May — August 2019
Teacher Attachment — Nalondo CBM Special School
Completed a teaching attachment focused on practical special needs education, gaining hands-on classroom experience in supporting learners with diverse disabilities.
Professional Summary
Core Areas of Expertise
Disability inclusion specialist with 5+ years’ experience at the intersection of education, health systems, and research-informed practice. Currently supporting national disability inclusion efforts under Kenya’s Ministry of Education, with hands-on involvement in data-driven screening, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and inclusive programme design.
Experienced in co-developing toolkits, supporting technical working groups, coordinating stakeholders, and translating field insights into practical resources and written outputs. Strong interest in advancing disability-inclusive health research, participatory approaches, and equitable evidence systems aligned with the social model of disability.
Disability-Inclusive Research Support
Meeting Coordination & Documentation
Research Translation & Knowledge Dissemination
Content Development (Newsletters, Social Media, Toolkits)
Stakeholder Coordination (Multi-country & Multi-Sector)
Monitoring, Evaluation & Data Use
Administrative & Virtual Collaboration Support
Accessibility & Inclusive Design (UDL-informed)
Core Principles
What guides the work
●
Evidence Over Assumption
Every decision starts with data — screening results, classroom observations, teacher feedback. Inclusion without evidence is well-intentioned guesswork.
●
Systems, Not Saviours
The goal is always a system that works without me — county frameworks, teacher capacity, policy structures that outlast any single project.
●
Nothing About Us Without Us
People with disabilities are at the centre of every programme design, policy conversation, and implementation decision.
What people say
Loved by those who move fast
Felix brings rare clarity to complex inclusion challenges. His field experience and ability to translate policy into classroom practice made him an invaluable partner on our national screening programme.
Working with Felix was transformative for our county's approach to special needs education. He doesn't just advise — he builds capacity that lasts well beyond his contract.
Let’s work together
Building something in disability inclusion or education?
I take on a select number of projects and speaking engagements each year. If you’re working on something that could benefit from my experience — a training, a study, a policy conversation — I’d like to hear about it.