The IEBC in collaboration with assistALL app and support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Wednesday, held a training workshop for Kenya Sign Language Interpreters on voter information and dissemination to deaf persons ahead of August 9th elections.
The workshop held at Hilton hotel aimed at building capacity on the IEBC mandates, election process and Procedures, election technologies, election results transmission path and the frequently asked questions on electoral activities and responses.
The commission also officially partnered with assistALL app, as it seeks to expand the participation of Deaf Persons in the coming General election.
IEBC manager partnerships Joyce Ekuam, reiterated the commission’s dedication to drive an effective voter dissemination to deaf persons, in a bid to conduct a transparent, efficient and impartial election.
According to Ekuam, the 2022 general elections will be the first to adopt the services of Sign language Interpreters.
IEBC Commissioner Irene Masit urged Sign Language Interpreters to be watchdogs of the commission, by exercising ballot accountability and report any unusual activities at polling stations.
Commissioner Masit added, the partnership with assistALL app is a huge milestone in actualizing article 38 (4) of the Constitution- every citizen has the right to free, fair and regular elections based on universal suffrage and the free expression of the will of the electors-.
On his part, CEO Signs TV and Founder assistALL app Mr. Luke Muleka exuded confidence in the assistALL app and its ability to participate in driving civic education.
It is his belief that the collaboration will not only expand the participation of Deaf persons in social, economic and political spheres of life through assistive technology but also benefit interpreters by providing employment opportunities.
The United Nations Development Programme in full filling its mandate of reducing inequalities and ensuring no one is left behind, lauded the partnership as it resonates with their vision of achieving vision 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.