This archive report was first published on 16 September 2019.
Kenya's hearing-impaired population faces significant marginalization, with many parents hiding their deaf children at home due to stigma or a bid to bypass the government's education requirement.
According to the 2009 census, 366,811 people in Kenya are deaf, and 236,491 have a speech disability, making up 3.5% of the population.
Despite the government's efforts to ensure non-discrimination, including the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act in 2003, many public and private institutions struggle to communicate with the deaf.
President Uhuru Kenyatta signed a law in 2015 requiring public broadcasters to incorporate sign language in their television programs, but many officials and institutions still lack the necessary linguistic knowledge.
Training hearing counterparts in Kenya Sign Language could be a game-changer, enabling the deaf to access information, realize their dreams, and reduce social discrimination.
By equipping hearing individuals with the skills to communicate with the deaf, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive society.
