Deaf couple in Turkana welcomes triplets, faces unique parenting challenges

Two weeks ago, their lives changed forever with the arrival of three healthy babies—two boys and a girl. But while the birth brought immense joy, it also ushered in a host of challenges that most parents might never face.

With both parents unable to hear, caring for newborns presents unique struggles. Mildred describes the demands of motherhood with a weary smile.

“Kulea watoto watatu ni kazi sana. Kunyonyesha mmoja, mwingine analia. Kisha unamgeukia mwingine naye analia,” she says, explaining how feeding one child often means another is crying, a cycle that rarely ends.

Nighttime is particularly difficult. Without the ability to hear the babies’ cries, the couple often wakes only when touched by the children or when they sense unusual movement.

“Wakati wanalia sisi wote ni viziwi. Watoto wanalia peke yao. Mpaka watuguze ndio tunastuka—tunastuka kama mtoto amelia for one hour,” Xavier shares, frustration etched on his face.

Beyond the physical challenges, the couple’s economic reality is grim.

Xavier is also physically disabled and currently unemployed. The family relies on small, irregular jobs to survive, making it difficult to provide even basic necessities like food and baby supplies.

Their friends and neighbors have taken notice of their struggle and are now pleading for help on their behalf.

“Tunaomba ofisi ya disability iingilie kati kwa sababu hii familia haijiwezi kabisa. Wako very poor, hawana chakula,” says Susan Tenai, a concerned friend.

Others believe that employment opportunities for the parents, particularly Xavier, would go a long way in improving their situation.

“Tunataka familia kama hii isaidiwe. Hata huyu mzee akipewa kazi, itakuwa mzuri sana. Sisi hatusikii,” adds Betty Wanjala, another friend from the neighborhood.

But the concerns go beyond food and income. Members of the community worry about the long-term development of the children, particularly their ability to learn language and communication.

“Hawa wakipata caretaker itakuwa mzuri,” says Zesta Wekesa, a neighbor. “Kama watakosa caretaker, hawa watoto watakuwa viziwi pia, sababu hakuna mtu atawafunza kuongea na baba na mama ni viziwi.”