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{
    "id": 826132,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/826132/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 309,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Dr.) Musuruve",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13188,
        "legal_name": "Getrude Musuruve Inimah",
        "slug": "getrude-musuruve-inimah"
    },
    "content": "impairment. Ensuring that deaf learners get the proper language will allow them to also interact with those who can hear and that will expand their social network. My fellow Senators have also talked about the issue of expanding their social network. It has also come out clearly from my fellow Senators that it is in the school environment that the learners get the proper language and there is no other opportunity or avenue. From what Senators have said, deaf learners should be given the opportunity to learn the language so that they do not miss out in any way. Madam Temporary Speaker, Senators also said that what we speak and write defines us. We, therefore, have to be fair to the deaf leaners so that we prepare them for the work place. Sen. (Prof.) Kamar said that she employed deaf people at one point and they did a superb job. My fellow Senators are in agreement with this. I am also happy with what Sen. Kihika just mentioned; that she is a “significant other” of PWDs in her family and that she is feeling the pinch. Madam Temporary Speaker, it has come out clearly from my fellow Senators that there is need to intervene so that money is set aside at both the national and county levels. This is for the purpose of developing instructional materials for PWDs and that we should not eventually limit the deaf persons. It has also come out clearly that there is need to reserve Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classes as a special unit. Similarly, sign language should also be taught to everyone so that they learn the basis of sign language for the purpose of inclusion. Madam Temporary Speaker, as I reply to this Motion, I am aware about the deaf community which has written on Facebook and also talked a lot about the SEE, to the effect that I am coming up with a new sign language. Even from Sen. Sakaja’s presentation, it was very clear that this is not a new sign language. It is what the Constitution says in Article 7(3)(b)- “The State shall- promote the development and use of indigenous languages, Kenyan Sign language, Braille and other communication formats and technologies accessible to persons with disabilities.” Therefore, the SEE is among the other formats of communication. Madam Temporary Speaker, I am on record, even in the HANSARD, for supporting the Kenyan Sign Language (KSL). I have never, at any one point gone against it. The HANSARD is clear and it is my witness. There is need to use the KSL to help the deaf learners to master the essentials of the English language. It is very straightforward, because even when the deaf learners are young and in the lower primary level, they sing the National Anthem because they have been taught. They do it from the beginning to the end in perfect English. It is, therefore, something that is doable. Senators have also said that, scientifically, the deaf can learn. This Motion is also addressing the deaf who are educable and who we think should go up to Form Four and continue vertically academically. Madam Temporary Speaker, I have even been psyched more by my fellow Senators who suggested that I should think of coming up with a Bill that will address this issue. I assure this House, as a seasoned scholar and a teacher before, having taught in a school for the deaf before and interacted with the deaf community, that the Bill that will The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}