Organization
Kenya National Association of the Deaf(KNAD)
Kenya's national Deaf-led organisation, registered in 1987, advocating for the linguistic rights, education, health, and economic inclusion of the Deaf community by championing Kenyan Sign Language recognition and equal access to public services for approximately one million Deaf Kenyans.
About
The Kenya National Association of the Deaf (KNAD) was established in 1986 and registered in 1987 as a legal Non-Governmental Organisation. An ordinary member of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in good standing, KNAD represents the interests and rights of the estimated one million Deaf Kenyans whose primary language is Kenyan Sign Language (KSL).
What They Do
KNAD advocates for the legislative recognition of Kenyan Sign Language, most recently supporting the Kenya Sign Language Bill of 2024. The organisation campaigns for equal access to quality Deaf education, accessible health services, and economic opportunities including employment and entrepreneurship. KNAD also builds the capacity of county-level member associations and engages with government, international Deaf organisations, and development partners.
Who They Serve
KNAD serves the Deaf community across Kenya's 47 counties, with programming focused on Deaf adults advocating for their rights, Deaf youth navigating education and employment, and Deaf women facing intersecting gender discrimination. The organisation works to ensure that Deaf Kenyans are not merely recipients of disability services but empowered rights-holders with a strong political voice.
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