Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang'ula has re-committed two Bills concerning Kenya Sign Language to the Departmental Committee on Social Protection  

The first Bill, the Kenyan Sign Language Bill (Senate Bill No. 9 of 2023), sponsored by nominated Senator Hon. Crystal Asige, and co-sponsored by Hon. Millie Odhiambo (Suba South), seeks to give effect to Article 7(3)(b) of the Constitution relating to the promotion and development of the use of Kenyan Sign Language, provide for the inclusion of sign language in the education curriculum, and the use of sign language in legal proceedings.

The second Bill, the Kenya Sign Language Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 1 of 2024), sponsored by Nominated MP, Hon. Umulkher Mohamed (Nominated) seeks to give effect to Articles 7(3)(b), 44, 50(2)(m), 54(1)(d) and 120 of the Constitution, to establish the Kenyan Sign Language Council for the regulation of sign language interpretation in Kenya, and to provide for the recognition and promotion of the use of Kenyan Sign Language.

In his Communication Speaker Wetang’ula said initially the Bills were committed to the Committee on Education, and the Committee on Sports and Culture respectively. However, recognizing the broader impact on disability access, the Speaker invoked Standing Order 127(6) to redirect both bills to the Committee on Social Protection.

“It is evident that the overarching subject matter relates inherently to the facilitation of persons with disability to access not only to education but also to guarantee their full participation in official engagements. The two Bills are, therefore, committed to the Departmental Committee on Social Protection, under whose mandate matters relating to persons with disabilities fall, for consideration and subsequent reporting to the House. I do this noting the cross-cutting nature of the two Bills and the need to ensure that the object of the Bills as intended by the sponsors is upheld,” he said.