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{
    "id": 516578,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/516578/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 84,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Mwaura",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13129,
        "legal_name": "Isaac Maigua Mwaura",
        "slug": "isaac-mwaura"
    },
    "content": "Hon. Chairlady, the Kenyan Sign language is recognized officially as a language and the State is encouraged to promote this language. Therefore, the import of this new clause is to categorically state that the official language for the deaf in this country shall be Kenyan Sign language. I need to explain further. There is a difference between sign language and Kenyan Sign language. Sign language is specific to a country. We could have American or British sign language but Kenyan sign language is the official sign language for Kenyans. It is standardised for all Kenyans who are deaf. Therefore, the import of this amendment is to, first; align this law with the Constitution. Secondly, the amendment will ensure that, if for example the language of instruction, as is the case, for the deaf, is Kenyan sign language and they qualify and pass very well, then the other languages cannot be used to disqualify such an individual who is deaf. I have a case in point of a girl by the name Ashura, who had an ‘A’ in Kenyan Sign language. Because she had a B+ (plus) in English, she could not be admitted to study law, which was her career of choice. Lack of proper recognition of Kenyan Sign language within our educational institutions and our qualification frameworks has become a challenge for the deaf. Their representation in jobs and mainstream society has been greatly hampered by such a provision. Therefore, my proposal seeks to cure that problem by equating Kenyan Sign language with our other official languages for purposes of communication, examination, qualification or any other area of equivalence."
}