Kenya Sign Language will now be a compulsory part of teacher training programs. This requirement is outlined in the final County Dialogue Report for 2025, which is set to be put into action.
The report highlights this initiative as a response to the current shortage of teachers trained in special needs education. It states, โIncorporate Kenyan Sign Language as a fundamental skill in all teacher training programs to better support students with hearing impairments.โ
Kenyan Sign Language is a comprehensive course aimed at teaching the basics of sign language communication. It is available at various higher education institutions, including the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE).
At present, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) employs teachers who have qualifications in Kenya Sign Language separately.
To qualify to teach Kenya Sign Language (KSL), aspiring educators must hold at least a Diploma in Special Needs Education, requiring a minimum KCSE mean grade of C or higher.
Alternatively, they can pursue a Bachelor of Education with a mean grade of C+ in KCSE, a C+ in KSL, and specialization in a specific disability area, as per the latest TSC guidelines.
Requirements for Teaching Kenya Sign Language:
Diploma in Special Needs Education:
– Requires a KCSE mean grade of C or above.
Bachelor of Education (Special Needs Education):
– Requires a KCSE mean grade of C+, a C+ in KSL, and specialization in a specific disability area (such as autism, intellectual disabilities, visual impairment, or physical disability).