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Prof. Okoth Okombo of the University of Nairobi.

The Google doodle is today celebrating Prof Okoth Okombo who would have been 71 today.

Google Arts and Culture states that Okombo founded the Kenyan Sign Language Research Project at the University of Nairobi.

He published more than 30 scientific publications on the structure, vocabulary, and sociological properties of the language of deaf Kenyans.

As a result, Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) was implemented in schools, hospitals, courtrooms, churches, and the media.

Okombo implemented similar projects in Uganda, Tanzania, Swaziland, and South Africa.

Prof Okombo died on the night of Wednesday, November 1, 2017.

Google Arts and Culture adds that as a member of the Omusuba tribe raised during a time of British colonial rule, Okombo witnessed firsthand how the elevation of the English language eroded his ethnic identity by pushing his mother tongue of Olusuba to near extinction.

He was inspired to have a lifelong mission to preserve indigenous African heritage. 

Dr. James Oranga, who teaches Journalism at the University of Nairobi, on November 17, 2017, said Prof Okombo’s departure left an intellectual vacuum that will be challenging to fill.

“Like some other great men who have gone before him, his story emphasises the greatness of education. With education, all of us can conquer our obstacles at birth,” he said. 

 

Monitor water pumps remotely via your phone

Tracking and monitoring motor vehicles is not new to Kenyans. Competition to install affordable tracking devices is fierce but essential for fleet managers who receive reports online and track vehicles from the comfort of their desk.

Source: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/education/article/2001428542/google-doodle-celebrates-kenya-sign-language-founder-prof-okoth-okombo