Dr. Isaac Mwaura, Head of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Disability Rights in the Executive Office of the President, urged sustained efforts to ensure the rights of Deaf people are recognized, protected, and upheld during International Deaf Awareness Week celebrations in Uasin Gishu County. Speaking at the event held at the Uasin Gishu County Headquarters in Eldoret, Mwaura emphasized the need for national and county governments, institutions, and stakeholders to address barriers preventing persons with disabilities from accessing essential services, education, and employment. "The national and county governments will continue working together so that the rights we declare today become opportunities our people can claim tomorrow," he stated, highlighting the theme "Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights."
Mwaura commended Uasin Gishu County for employing eight sign language interpreters to improve access to public services for Deaf individuals, while noting that persons with disabilities constitute 2.38% of the county workforce. He called on institutions to create an enabling environment for their meaningful participation in employment and public life. County Executive Committee Member for Education, Vocational Training, Gender, Social Protection, and Culture, Eng. Lucy Ng’endo, reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to expanding education, social protection programs, and economic opportunities for persons with disabilities. Chief Officer for Gender and Social Protection Marion Birgen stressed the need for stronger mechanisms to address communication and accessibility barriers in public services, while Regina Chumba, Member of County Assembly representing persons with disabilities, advocated for their inclusion in decision-making processes.
The event, attended by national and county officials, disability advocates, and stakeholders, focused on raising awareness of Deaf rights and promoting societal participation. Participants called for continued collaboration between government agencies, disability organizations, and partners to improve accessible communication, expand equal opportunities, and strengthen support systems for Deaf communities. Mwaura’s remarks underscored the government’s reaffirmed commitment to protecting Deaf rights and ensuring their full participation in society through improved access to public services, education, and employment.
The celebrations highlighted ongoing challenges, including systemic barriers to accessibility, while celebrating progress such as the deployment of sign language interpreters. Stakeholders emphasized that meaningful inclusion requires sustained policy action, resource allocation, and partnerships to ensure Deaf individuals can exercise their rights on par with others. The event served as a platform to reinforce collective responsibility in advancing equity for persons with disabilities across Kenya.