Nairobi county to provide Sign Language interpretation services in health centres

The innovative app, aims at improving healthcare accessibility for the deaf patients in Nairobi’s medical facilities.

Over 50 health care officers from levels 4 and 5 health facilities will undergo a disability mainstreaming training at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE).

The training will include the use of the assistALL App and understanding disability inclusion in healthcare settings.

“The app. That was initially developed to bridge the communication gap between deaf persons and healthcare providers at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, is now being utilized in other sectors such as higher education, general healthcare, judicial system, and banking sector,” says Luke Muleka, the founder and managing director of Signs Media Kenya Limited.

The app operates on a pay-per-second billing model, making it highly accessible.

“With as little as Ksh. 30, one can access a sign language interpreter,” he added.

Muleka added that the assistALL is also creating employment opportunities for sign language interpreters who have the potential to earn a consistent income as the app brings them closer to their customer base without having to consider the logistics of travel. 

“They are therefore able to serve more deaf people, an important step to promote inclusion of deaf persons by enabling them access essential services,” he stated.

The service is already operational in Busia and Mandera Counties' referral and sub-county hospitals. Signs Media says the app has demonstrated significant uptake with over 12,000 downloads, over 500 qualified Sign Language Interpreters, and more than 82,000 minutes of calls.

assistALL is available across multiple platforms including Google Play Store, iOS App Store, M-Pesa Super App, and as a web application.