Teachers to undergo mandatory training on the Kenya Sign Language

Kenya Sign Language to be made mandatory in the training of teachers.

Teachers will now have to undergo mandatory learning in the Kenya Sign Language. This is contained in the final County Dialogue Report of 2025 and which is set to be implemented.

According to the report, this has been necessitated by the shortage of special needs teachers.

“Include Kenyan Sign Language as a core competency in all teacher training to support learners with hearing impairments” the report reads in part.

Kenyan Sign Language is a comprehensive course designed to teach participants the fundamentals of sign language communication. It is offered at a number of higher learning Institutions including the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE).

Currently, the Teachers Service Commission, TSC, separately employs teachers with qualifications in Kenya Sign Language.

To teach Kenya Sign Language (KSL), prospective teachers need a minimum of a Diploma in Special Needs Education, with a KCSE mean grade of C or above. Alternatively, a Bachelor of Education with a C+ mean grade in KCSE and a C+ in KSL, along with specialization in a disability area, is also a valid path, according to the TSC latest requirements.

Detailed Requirements for Kenya Sign Language Teachers

Diploma in Special Needs Education:

Requires a KCSE mean grade of C or above.

Bachelor of Education (Special Needs Education):

Requires a C+ mean grade in KCSE, a C+ in KSL, and specialization in a specific area of disability (e.g., autism, intellectual disabilities, visual impairment, or physical disability).