Representatives from the Deaf Community and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) handed over a memorandum to the Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, Mr. Joseph Motari MBS, on 2, October 2023.
The memorandum calls for government action in the areas of employment for Deaf persons, support towards the enactment of the Kenya Sign Language Bill 2023, Kenya Sign Language Interpretation services in public settings, and adequate support in education and health.
PS Motari pledged his support in addressing the issues raised and forwarding the memo to His Excellency the President.
The handing over of the memorandum followed an agreement during the International Deaf Awareness Week (IDAW), which was celebrated from 19, September 2023 to 25 September 2023.
The IDAW is a week-long celebration of the Deaf community and its culture. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges faced by Deaf people and to advocate for their rights.
The celebration gave the Deaf an opportunity to make significant steps towards advancing the rights and representation of the Deaf community in Kenya.