The International Deaf Awareness Procession began at Jeevanjee Gardens, where a gathering celebrated the event.
A representative of the deaf community called on both national and county governments to address the employment inequalities faced by the deaf community as mandated by the Kenyan Constitution and the Persons with Disability Act of 2003, which stipulates that at least five percent of the workforce in public and private sectors should be persons with disabilities
They expressed frustration over the lack of response to their petitions submitted to relevant state bodies.
They also emphasized the need for regulations to qualify interpreters and further expressed the need for more representatives to support the passage of the KSL Bill.
Otiende Amollo, Rarieda MP, praised the Deaf Persons for taking their petition to parliament and assured them of presenting the four bills to the clerk and speaker of the National Assembly.
“I am the only person who historically was able to listen to why we needed to recognize Kenya Sign Language. I want to commend you because you have come here, pursuant to your rights, under Article 37 of the constitution. You have come to present a petition. It is your right to present this petition,not only to me but to any other MP you see passing here .”The legislator stated.
Honorable Salasya, who was also present, committed to efforts aimed at getting the bill proposed by Honorable Umulkher Harun passed.
“Asante kwa kujitokeleza kufika hapa leo.na nataka niwahakikishie kuwa huu mswada ambao ililetwa na Mweshimiwa Umi …yeye ni kijana mwenzetu ambaye amekua nominated. Sisi tutawasupport mpaka hii Bill ilipitishwe ili mweze mkapata usaidizi. Next time mkikua na event yoyote, mimi nitakuja pale, tusherehekee pamoja.” (Thank you for showing up here today. I want to assure you that this bill was brought by Honorable Umi… she’s a young colleague of ours who was nominated. We will support you until this bill is passed so that you can receive assistance. Next time you have any event, I will come there, and we can celebrate together.”)