Kenya Society for Deaf Children calls for comprehensive policy changes

The Kenya Society for Deaf Children (KSDC) has presented a series of bold resolutions aimed at advancing the rights, accessibility, and opportunities for Deaf individuals in Kenya.

The statement, which marks the conclusion of the Deafness Conference 2024 held at the in Nairobi, outlines a comprehensive roadmap to ensure greater inclusion and support for the Deaf community across various sectors, including education, healthcare, employment, and government services.

The resolutions emphasize several critical areas where change is needed to ensure that Deaf individuals, especially children, are not left behind in a society that often overlooks their unique needs.

One of the main calls is for equitable access to Sign Language interpretation in both public and private sectors. KSDC urges the Kenyan parliament to prioritize the passing of the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Bill 2023, which would make Sign Language interpretation a legal obligation.

This would ensure that Deaf individuals have the support they need to access public services, participate in social life, and engage in education and employment opportunities.

In a major call for inclusivity, KSDC advocates for the employment of qualified Deaf persons across all branches of government—executive, judiciary, and legislative. This, they say, will allow for more meaningful participation by the Deaf community in decision-making processes and improve the delivery of government services to Deaf citizens.

“Deaf individuals have the skills and potential to contribute significantly to the country’s development,” said a spokesperson for KSDC. “It is essential that they are represented in all spheres of government to ensure their rights are fully upheld.”

KSDC also called for the mandatory neonatal deafness screening of all newborns, urging the government to take a proactive approach in identifying and supporting Deaf children from birth. Early detection, they argue, is vital in providing the necessary interventions and resources to ensure the best possible opportunities for development.

Additionally, KSDC advocates for the promotion of Deaf teachers within the education system. They believe that recruiting and training Deaf teachers, particularly in primary schools, will foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for Deaf children. Teachers across the country should also be required to learn Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) to facilitate effective communication with Deaf students.

The organization has also highlighted the need for better access to healthcare and mental health support for Deaf individuals. KSDC has called for the establishment of specialized counseling services that cater to the unique emotional needs of Deaf students, especially in addressing issues such as assault, gender-based violence (GBV), and family abuse.

Moreover, the society urges the government and private sector to invest more in assistive technologies that improve the quality of life for Deaf individuals. This includes ensuring access to the latest rehabilitative, educational, and communication technologies, which are essential for Deaf students at both primary and higher education levels.

KSDC’s statement also touches on broader societal inclusion. It calls for employers to take responsibility for teaching their staff Kenyan Sign Language, making workplaces more accessible for Deaf individuals and improving communication with Deaf customers and clients.

Additionally, they stress the importance of revising educational policies to ensure that Deaf individuals are not forced to study languages like Kiswahili or English, which may not be accessible to them. Instead, Kenyan Sign Language should be recognized as the primary mode of instruction.

The resolutions conclude with a call for collective action, urging all stakeholders—government, civil society, employers, and individuals—to work together to create a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable Kenya for Deaf individuals.

“We cannot achieve this vision alone. We need everyone’s commitment to making these changes a reality,” the statement reads. “By working together, we can build a Kenya where Deaf individuals are not just included, but thrive.”

KSDC’s resolutions are a call for systemic reforms that will help bridge the gap between the Deaf community and the wider society, ensuring that Deaf children and adults have the opportunity to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

With the passing of critical legislation such as the Persons with Disabilities Bill 2023, alongside the widespread adoption of inclusive practices in education, employment, and healthcare, KSDC’s vision for an inclusive society is within reach—if action is taken swiftly.