Kenya plans to create its first banking Kenya Sign Language(KSL) self-training mobile application.
To be developed by Deaf eLimu Plus, the software will aim to support bank employees to learn basic KSL, facilitating better communication with deaf bank clients.
Deaf eLimu Plus is a deaf-owned startup company that provides innovative educational products and tutorial services in sign languages.
The app will feature at least one hundred words and ten phrases drawn from common bank-environment vocabulary, including video demonstrations on how to sign the words in sign language.
The initiative is in partnership with the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) and Financial Sector Deepening (FSD Kenya).
It is part of efforts towards implementing the recommendations of the Banking Industry Persons With Disabilities Accessibility Report released jointly by KBA and FSD Kenya last year.
KBA Chief Executive Officer Habil Olaka welcomed the innovation, saying it will enhance the customer experience of deaf bank clients and support financial inclusion of the Persons With Disability community in line with the KBA 2019-2023 Strategic Plan.
“The app will play a huge role in building capacity among bank staff on Kenyan Sign Language, facilitating enhanced interactions among bank staff and the Deaf community,” Olaka said.
There are over 150,000 deaf people in Kenya, according to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census Report.
FSD Kenya Chief Executive Officer Tamara Cook highlighted the need to continue exploring how Clients With Disabilities can get better access to banking services in Kenya.
“I like that we now call them Clients With Disabilities, not just people because these are the clients of banks and they need to have that kind of access and be treated with the respect that they deserve, but also make sure that they have all the information they need to fully utilise those financial services,” she said.
Deaf eLimu Plus founder Hudson Asiema said the partnership is important since the Deaf have always had challenges accessing banking services because of communication challenges.
“This app will support banking staff to learn basic Kenyan Sign Language, easing communication and enabling the Deaf to access banking services,’’ said Asiema.
Findings from the Banking Industry Persons With Disabilities Accessibility pilot study indicated that Deaf customers were the least satisfied group of bank clients, with their main area of dissatisfaction being communication.
Bank staff also expressed dissatisfaction with communication while serving deaf customers.
The report recommends that banks should train at least one staff member at every branch on basic Kenyan Sign Language.
Language. From case studies documented …….
Source: https://www.the-star.co.ke/business/kenya/2021-10-19-kenya-to-create-sign-language-banking-app/