Law maker applauds TV stations for introducing sign language

Law maker applauds TV stations for introducing sign language

Nyandarua County Women Representative Wanjiku Muhia has praised Kenyan television stations for introducing sign language in their news programme.

Wanjiku Muhia noted that deaf people have been neglected for decades and could not follow newscast either on TV or radio but commended TV stations for considering  persons with hearing challenges by introducing sign language interpreters in their news bulletins.

She praised President Uhuru Kenyatta for assenting to the bill that paved way for such a move.

The new law states that: “An institution or body offering services to the citizens, to enable persons with disabilities enjoy the services, SHALL avail within the institution or body  devices and other equipment including the services of a qualified interpreter for the deaf and the blind…”

The law provides that such a body shall disseminate the public information regarding the availability of sign interpreters for the deaf and blind for their branches or within the institutions.

It also states that all television stations have to provide sign language interpretation or subtitles in their productions to ensure the inclusion of persons with hearing impairment.

Ms Muhia recommended that the law must also be implemented in public hospitals, banks and other service providing institutions to ensure that the rights of the disabled person is respected and observed.

President Uhuru Kenyatta said that the Government encourages self regulation of the media industry and, therefore, it will not be in the interest of the Government to force media houses to include sign language in their programmes.

“It is up to media houses to change their editorial policies and  include sign language in their broadcasts,” said the President.

Written by Treeza Awuor

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President Uhuru Kenyatta Nyandarua County sign language Bill on the impaired persons Deaf persons Women Rep Wanjiku Muhia

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