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Senate Bills No. 9 of 2023 ยท Sen. (Prof.) Margaret Kamar and Sen. Crystal Asige

Kenyan Sign Language Bill, 2023

Makes Kenyan Sign Language a regulated language, with licensed interpreters, sign language in schools and on TV.

Bill Back with the Senate after National Assembly amendments

Where it stands

  1. Published in the Kenya Gazette: done

    28 Feb 2023

  2. First reading, Senate: done

    22 Mar 2023

  3. Senate Education Committee report: done

    20 Jun 2023

  4. Second reading, Senate: done

    19 Sep 2023

  5. Passed by the Senate: done

    26 Sep 2023

    Passed with amendments and sent to the National Assembly.

  6. Passed by the National Assembly, with amendments: done

    Jun 2026

  7. Senate considers the National Assembly's amendments: current stage

    Now

    If the two Houses disagree, a mediation committee works out a single version.

  8. Presidential assent: still to come

    The President signs it into law, or returns it to Parliament with reservations.

What it would do

  • A Kenya Sign Language Council to develop, promote and regulate Kenyan Sign Language, based in Nairobi with services across the country.
  • Licensed interpreters. Interpreters would register with the Council, renew a practising certificate every year and keep training. Only licensed interpreters could call themselves a "Professional Sign Language Interpreter".
  • Sign language in schools. Kenyan Sign Language would be part of early childhood and basic education. Families of deaf children would get sign language lessons, and public universities and colleges would provide free interpretation.
  • Sign language on TV and online. TV stations would add closed captions and a sign language inset covering at least a third of the screen during news, educational programmes and national events. Online video would need captions or transcripts.
  • Relay services. Telecoms providers would offer text, video and captioned relay services.

Why it matters

Deaf and deafblind Kenyans still face barriers in classrooms, courts, hospitals and public offices, and there are too few qualified interpreters. The bill would set standards for interpretation and make access a duty rather than a favour.

What you can do now

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Sources

Last checked 19 Oct 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.