By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter
In a landmark victory for disability rights and inclusion, Parliament has passed the Kenya Sign Language Bill, paving the way for greater recognition of Kenyan Sign Language and improved access to essential services for deaf persons.
The legislation, sponsored by ODM Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo-Mabona, seeks to promote inclusivity and guarantee equal access to information, education, and public services for persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind.
The Bill gives effect to constitutional provisions that recognise Kenyan Sign Language as an official means of communication and affirm the rights of persons with disabilities to access services through appropriate communication formats.
It establishes the Kenya Sign Language Council, a new statutory body mandated to regulate, develop, and preserve Kenyan Sign Language in the country.
The Council will be responsible for setting standards for training and practice, registering and licensing sign language interpreters, protecting the communication rights of deaf and deafblind persons, and advising the Government on matters relating to sign language.
Headquartered in Nairobi, the Council will be required to decentralise its services across the country. Its membership will include representatives from government, the deaf community, sign language interpreters, and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
The Bill seeks to strengthen deaf education and access to essential services by providing sign language interpreters in universities, health facilities, courts, government offices, and all public institutions.
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In a major boost for accessibility, television stations will be 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. Internet-based video content will also be required to include captions or transcripts.
The legislation further advocates subsidising data costs for deaf persons, recognising that they primarily communicate through video-based platforms, which consume significant amounts of data and often do not benefit from existing promotional packages.
The Bill also creates a comprehensive framework for the registration and regulation of professional sign language interpreters. Practitioners will be required to register with the Kenya Sign Language Council, obtain annual practising certificates, and undertake continuous professional development. Only duly registered professionals will be allowed to use the title "Professional Sign Language Interpreter."
To ensure accountability, the legislation establishes financial and governance structures for the Council, including annual audits by the Auditor-General, mandatory annual reporting, and strict conflict-of-interest provisions for Council members.