The recent release of the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results revealed a worrying drop in performance in several subjects, including Kenyan Sign Language (KSL).
For Deaf students, the drop in KSL performance is more than just statistics. It’s the closed door to their dream jobs, the healthcare provider missing their critical signs, and the constant frustration of relying on others to interpret the world around them.
Imagine entering a world where communication crumbles, doors to opportunities slam shut, and navigating daily life becomes daunting. Tough right?
This is a serious isolation wall being built brick by brick, widening the gap between Deaf and hearing students.
For instance, in hospitals, miscommunication will masquerade as diagnosis, leaving the Deaf unheard and their health needs unmet, this isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a barrier to equal opportunity, a wall separating the Deaf community from the world around them.
With investment in KSL education and a commitment to inclusion, the Deaf community can flourish, will the government unleash this potential or let it remain muted?
Let’s rewrite the narrative of KSL – not as a fading language, but as a powerful tool for empowerment, inclusion, and a brighter future for all.