Disability Activist Urges IEBC to Provide Sign Language Interpreters Ahead of 2027 Elections
Matters Disability Updated: 07 April 2026 15:55 EAT
People with disabilities activist Mike Makarena urges IEBC to provide sign language interpreters at voter registration and 2027 polling centres
Disability rights activist Mike Makarena has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure that sign language interpreters are available at all voter registration centres and polling stations ahead of the 2027 General Election. He warned that the absence of interpreters leaves persons with hearing impairments feeling excluded from the democratic process.
Speaking in Nairobi, Makarena emphasized that accessibility is a fundamental right for all citizens and that ensuring proper communication for voters with hearing disabilities is essential to promoting inclusive and fair elections.
Makarena highlighted that many voters with hearing impairments struggle to understand registration procedures, election updates, and ballot instructions due to the lack of qualified interpreters at official centres. This gap, he said, limits their participation in national decision-making.
He urged the IEBC to deploy trained sign language interpreters at all registration and polling centres, particularly in areas with higher populations of persons with hearing impairments. He stressed that this measure would enhance transparency and confidence in the electoral process.
The activist also called on political parties and candidates to ensure that their campaigns are inclusive, advocating for communication tools such as sign language interpretation during rallies and public engagements, so that voters with disabilities can participate fully.
Makarena noted that in previous elections, persons with hearing impairments often relied on family members or friends to interpret election procedures, a practice that could lead to miscommunication or manipulation. He said professional interpreters would reduce these risks.
IEBC officials have previously acknowledged the need to make voter registration and polling stations accessible to persons with disabilities, including the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, but Makarena said more urgent action is required to meet these commitments before the 2027 polls.
He also highlighted that accessibility extends beyond interpretation, including the provision of Braille ballots, ramps, and other assistive tools to ensure that all voters can exercise their constitutional rights independently and with dignity.
Makarena concluded by urging the government, civil society, and election stakeholders to prioritize inclusion for persons with disabilities, warning that failure to act could result in the systematic exclusion of a significant portion of the electorate from participating in shaping the nation’s future.
Tags: Article Disability Disability and inclusion Disability Inclusion Edit Editor's Pick Editors choice Iebc Iebc Unfair Iebc Voting Steps Latest Iebc Update Matters Disability Matters Disaility My Disability Is My Ability News Article Persons With Disabilities Persons With Disability Act Signs Signsmedia Signstv Signstvkenya Kenyan Sign Language Signs Media Signs Media Kenya Limited Signs Tv SignsTV Disability and Activism Mike Makarena
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD