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{
"id": 1284498,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1284498/?format=api",
"text_counter": 183,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. (Prof.) Kamar",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": {
"id": 33,
"legal_name": "Margaret Jepkoech Kamar",
"slug": "margaret-kamar"
},
"content": "In a way, this is a group that has felt discriminated against, although there are constitutional provisions that give them the right. Therefore, the Bill draws its strength from Article 10(2) of the Constitution. It designates human dignity, equity, social justice inclusivity, equality, human rights, non-discrimination and the protection of the marginalised as national values and principles of governance. Further, Article 7(3)(b) of the Constitution emphasizes the promotion of indigenous languages. These includes the Kenyan Sign Language, Braille and other communication formats accessible to Persons with Disability (PWDs). Similarly, Article 54(1)(d) stipulates that a person with any disability is entitled to use Kenyan Sign Language, Braille or other appropriate means of communication. Therefore, the Constitution envisions those public institutions shall establish facilities to ensure the inclusion of deaf persons and those who are hard of hearing in their processes. Mr. Speaker, Sir, Clause 4 of the Bill provides formal recognition to the use of Kenyan Sign Language by the deaf or those of hard hearing, emphasising its importance in communication. Clause 5 of the Bill outlines the duties of both the national and county levels of government regarding the sign language development. This includes, consulting the deaf community on matters relating to its development, use and promotion; using sign language in Government services and public information; providing free interpretation in Kenyan Sign Language to those who rely on it to access statutory entitlements or services; and ensuring information relating to public services is accessible. On the other hand, Clause 6 ensures that the person whose first or preferred language is Kenyan Sign Language, is entitled to use Kenyan Sign Language in legal proceedings. Therefore, judicial officers are required to ensure that competent and recognised interpreters are available during such proceedings. This is extremely important because when a deaf or hard of hearing person goes to court in this country, they are at the mercy of whoever is available in the judicial system. This Bill will make it compulsory and mandatory that these people are facilitated properly. In fact, there are cases where a parent or a guardian takes such an individual to court and changes the meaning of what they wish to pass. It is very important that they be independent at the stage when they are required to use this language to communicate. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Bill obligates the Cabinet Secretary for Education to provide educational support for deaf learners. This support includes teaching methods that cater for the understanding of curriculum; assistance in acquiring competence in the use of English and Kiswahili languages; teaching Kenyan Sign Language in the sign form; setting aside funds for educational material; and offering Kenyan Sign Language courses and interpretation in teacher training institutions. Finally, this support will also include providing placement for teachers of the deaf or hard of hearing children and ensuring accessible reading material in English and Kiswahili for the deaf community. It is good to note that when we had public participation for this Bill, we were very much surprised by parents who said deaf children, have had a lot of conflicts as far as communication is concerned. It is because at home, their families have adopted a way of communicating with them, which is just known to the family. When they go out and meet other children, the other children sign differently. If they do not have a unified way, they The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate."
}