Kenyan Sign Language
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A language of Kenya
260,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL), increasing. Estimated 160,000–320,000 deaf signers, assuming 0.3%–0.6% of total population. Other estimates: 340,000 (2007 DOOR); 600,000 (Wilson and Kakiri 2011).
Scattered.
5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Constitution, Article 7(3b) National, official and other languages; and Article 120(1) Official Languages of Parliament).
Nairobi (central), Kisumu (western), Mombasa (eastern). Standardized with minor variations between dialects since 1961, when primary schools for deaf children began. Mainly unrelated to other sign languages, although appears to have influenced Uganda Sign Language [ugn]. There appears to be less lexical borrowing (fingerspelling, initialization) from spoken languages than in many other sign languages. Fingerspelling system similar to French Sign Language [fsl].
One-handed fingerspelling.
Schools under the Kenya Institute of Education use Kenyan version of (American) Signed Exact English, including 1 at Machakos. KSL used at Nyangoma School at Bondo, a primary and boys’ technical school (Sakwa), and in 1 girl’s school. Taught in primary and secondary schools. TV. Dictionary. Bible portions: 2010–2013. Agencies: Kenya National Association of the Deaf (KNAD); Kenyan Sign Language Research Project (KSLRP) at the University of Nairobi; Kenyan Sign Language Interpreters Association (KSLIA); Kenyan Interpreters and Translators Association (KITA).