"Father Of Sign Language" Prof. Ndurumo Named UN 2025 Person of the Year
News Updated: 27 October 2025 15:05 EAT
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The global commitment to human rights and equality took center stage as the United Nations in Kenya celebrated World United Nations Day in style.
Commemorating 80 years since the organization’s founding on October 24, 1945, this year’s celebration focused on disability achievements, culminating in a historic announcement. Professor Michael Ndurumo, the first Deaf Professor in East Africa and founder of the Africa Institute of Deaf Studies and Research, was named the 2025 United Nations in Kenya Person of the Year.
He was being honored for his extraordinary, decades-long contributions to disability rights and inclusive education, a lifetime of pioneering work that has fundamentally transformed the landscape of communication, education, and equality across Kenya and the region.
Professor Ndurumo's journey is a powerful story of determination, intellect, and innovation. Deaf since the age of eight, he was unable to hear or speak at a time when Kenya had no established sign language.
This dream eventually led to the development of the Kenyan Sign Language (KSL), which has since become the official national sign language of Kenya and a cornerstone of communication in South Sudan and across East Africa.
Often referred to as the "Father of Sign Language in Kenya," Professor Ndurumo’s impact extends into national policy, where he helped draft the law requiring all television stations to include sign language interpretation and was instrumental in championing the inclusion of KSL in the 2010 Constitution and shaping the Persons with Disabilities Act (2003).
In his acceptance speech, Professor Ndurumo characterized the award not as a personal recognition but as a collective tribute.
”This award is more than a personal milestone; it is a statement from the United Nations in Kenya that a vision of a better world must, and indeed does, include persons with disabilities,” he stated.
He proudly shared the outcome of his work: Deaf learners began excelling, progressing to university, and achieving at graduate and doctoral levels.
He noted, "Today, Kenya has over 40 Deaf graduates who are also influencing national policy in different fields."
Professor Ndurumo’s influence has not been limited to Kenya. He spoke movingly about his regional efforts, collaborating with organizations like the UNHCR and the International Rescue Committee to develop Sudanese Sign Language for Deaf refugees in Kakuma Camp.
“My hope remains that no Deaf child in Africa will ever be left behind,” he concluded.
The UN in Kenya Person of the Year Award recognizes individuals or institutions whose achievements advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and embody the spirit and ideals of the United Nations, inspiring others to build a more inclusive, just, and sustainable future. Professor Ndurumo’s legacy stands as a shining example of that mission.
Tags: Professor Michael Ndurumo United Nations Editor's Pick
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Selestine Nyongesa
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