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{
    "id": 1285713,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1285713/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 135,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Crystal Asige",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "It cannot be gainsaid how crucial sign languages are to secure basic human rights and belonging. Through sign languages, people can express their thoughts, feelings and ideas. This is how we all, whether deaf or hearing, form connections and build relationships, understand one another and even gain an understanding of different cultures and communities. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the International Day of Sign Languages is marked to recognise deaf people as an integral part of our society, who add diversity and colour to our heritage. As such, the Kenyan Sign Language should be promoted for use by all across Kenya. A definitive step toward achieving this is the swift enactment of the Kenyan Sign Language Bill. In doing so, we can surpass the World Deaf Federation’s call for governments to take steps to ensure that at least 50 per cent of our children know their national sign language and create societies where deaf people can sign anywhere in the world. Our Government should lead by example by taking further steps to provide mandatory sensitivity training programmes across public sectors to ensure the respect, dignity and protection of the rights of the deaf across the board. In fact, I will go as far as questioning why this has not happened yet in this honourable House. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I wish bring to your attention that even on our Parliament livestream sessions, we do not provide sign language interpreters to translate the daily business of both Houses, for deaf Kenyans to follow. Being that our Kenyan Sign Language Bill is currently moving successfully in the Order Paper, we will be remiss to not provide interpretation when debating legislation, without including of those it so crucially impacts. It is important to acknowledge that sign languages are not universal. They vary from one region to another. Currently, there are over 300 unique sign languages recognised globally, reflecting the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Our Sign Language is the primary means of communication for the deaf community, and it plays a pivotal role in their daily lives. Sign languages also play an essential role in the educational landscape. Deaf children who are exposed to sign languages from an early age have the opportunity to access quality education at par with their hearing peers. Inclusive education, where sign language is recognized and integrated, ensures that deaf students can thrive academically and socially. Mr. Speaker, Sir, moreover, there is a need for increased awareness and understanding of the importance of sign languages within our society. Education and sensitisation efforts should extend beyond the deaf community to ensure that everyone recognises the value of sign languages as a bridge to inclusion. As the hearing community, we should take it upon ourselves to try to learn basic sign language to communicate, reduce social isolation, discrimination, and misunderstanding. The knowledge of sign language is a great skill to have and would mean so much to every deaf person we interact with. Mr. Speaker, Sir, to conclude, let us reaffirm our commitment to the rights of inclusion and well-being of deaf individuals in Kenya. It is for this reason that I am 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."
}