Sign Language Bill 2023 to Strengthen Access to Information

By Okoth Odhiambo.

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Kilifi County deaf community stakeholders have applauded the National Assembly for passing the Sign Language Bill 2023 that aimed at strengthening the access of information to those with hearing impairments in the country.

David Jali, the headteacher at Kibarani School for Deaf says though late, the bill has come at an appropriate time and will enable the community to embrace the deaf and even easen access to information to this persons abled differently.

“This is a very big milestone to the deaf community,making sign language a third National Language will enable the deaf access information with ease,” he said in a media interview.

Additionally the headteacher maintains that it is time for the public servants to learn sign language which will make the abled differently get government services with ease and with confidence.

Concerning the deafs’ access to education, he urged parents to embrace their deaf children education just as other children highlighting that access to education is a right to every child in the country.

“Take your differently disabled children to school and support them just as you do to the others. They may not do well in classwork but most of them succeed in co-curriculum activities.”

Loraine Atieno Omondi, a professional sign language interpreter based in the county, commended the bill saying it would provide an opportunity for the abled differently to access information and transact business with ease and even take part in national discussions like the public participation and be heard.

“For a long time The deaf society has been left behind but now they shall be incorporated into the national discourse. Moreover, this education to avoid stigmatization. This language should be taught to the children at a tender age,” she said.

The National Assembly passed the Kenya Sign Language Bill 2023 sponsored by MPs Millie Odhiambo of Suba North and Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun.

The bill provides hearing impaired people with the opportunity to easily access information without discrimination.

This bill provides a direct effect to constitutional provisions that acknowledge Kenyan Sign Language as an official Means of Communication.

Moreover, the Bill in magninity shall strengthen access to education, justice, information, and public service.

Subsequently, the Kenyan sign language shall be integrated into early childhood and basic education curriculum with public institutions of universities and colleges required to provide free interpretation services for learners who need them.

To the media, it is required to provide closed captioning and a Kenyan sign language inset occupying at least one-third of the screen during news broadcasts, educational programmes and national events.