As our society becomes more inclusive, the demand for skilled sign language professionals has also increased. And, Kenya’s education sector has not been left behind – today, several colleges are offering excellent sign language courses to help bridge this gap.
If you’re looking to enhance your career prospects, or you want to connect with a broader audience, then learning sign language could be your next big adventure.
To point you in the right direction, in this guide, we shall look at some of the best colleges (and universities) offering sign language courses in Kenya.
Colleges offering sign language courses in Kenya (best sign language schools in Kenya)
1. Kenya Online College
At Kenya Online College, we pride ourselves in teaching our sign language course through interactive sessions and a fully hands-on approach.
We’ve expert instructors with years of experience teaching & communicating in sign language hence you’ll be learning from the best.
This way, you’re guaranteed that you won’t just be memorizing the signs but also be understanding what each sign means.
Furthermore, we understand that today, we live busy lives.
That’s why, we have decided to bring sign language classes to your fingertips… We’re thrilled to offer you not one, but two exciting ways you can learn sign language in Kenya:
- Full-time online classes: Are you a busy professional? Or are you located in an area where there are no sign language schools nearby? Then, this course is for you – you get to learn at your own pace and from wherever you are.
- Weekend crash program: Short on time? No problem. In just two action-packed days, you’ll master the basics of sign language with our 2-day weekend crash program. It’s fast, interactive, and practical-based.
If you have any queries about our course, you can quickly get in touch with our admissions office via calls and WhatsApp on 0797 532 345.
2. Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE)
Established in 1986, KISE is one of the oldest colleges that offer sign language programs in Kenya.
While the institute offers a Diploma in Special Needs Education and a Certificate in Kenya Sign Language, it also offers a short course in Kenyan Sign Language.
Course requirements
- Kenya Sign Language short course – no special requirements
- Certificate in Kenya Sign Language – at least a D plain in KCSE
- Diploma in Special Needs Education – have a P1 Primary Teacher Certificate and 2 years teaching experience
or at least an ECDE certificate with at least a D+ in KCSE and at least 2 years of teaching experience
or hold a P2 Teacher Certificate, Certificate in SNE, and at least 5 years teaching experience
KISE sign language course fee structure
KISE offers several programs related to special education and inclusive education, each with its own fee structure as below:
- Diploma in Special Needs Education (Distance Learning Mode): This is a two-year program with a total cost of Ksh. 131,050.
- Diploma in Special Needs Education (Full-time Mode): This program also spans two years, with a total cost of Ksh. 136,900.
- Certificate in Inclusive Education: This is a three-month course offered through Distance Learning or Full-Time basis. The total cost for this course is Ksh. 66,500.
However, it’s important to note that these fees are exclusive of medical insurance, student trips, accommodation, or meals.
Tel: 0724 269 505
Email: info@kise.ac.ke
Website: www.kise.ac.ke
Location: Kasarani, Thika Superhighway Exit 8, Off Kasarani-Mwiki Rd
Karen Technical Training Institute for the Deaf (KTTID)
KTTID offers two Kenya Sign Language courses:
- Certificate in Elementary KSL (Kenya Sign Language) (levels I, II, & III) – each level is 3 months long
- Basic Kenya Sign Language – short course taking 3 weeks
It’s also important to note that KTTID’s sign language programs are open to all interested candidates.
Tel: 0722 677 859
Email: info@kttideaf.ac.ke
Location: Karen Road, Karen
Rifkins College
Located in Mombasa, Rifkins College offers a 6-month Certificate in Sign Language course.
As of the writing of this guide, not much information was available about their course in the public domain.
Nevertheless, you can learn more about the program by getting in touch with the college via:
Tel: 0715 043 739
Email: info@rifkinscollege.com
Office: Focal Point Building, 3rd Floor. Digo Road, opposite Naivas Supermarket and Stanbic Bank, Mombasa
Nakuru College
Located in Nakuru, the institute offers short courses in Kenya Sign Language in three levels:
| Level | Duration | Fees (Ksh.) |
| Basic | 3 months | 18,000 |
| Advanced | 3 months | 20,000 |
| Interpretation | 3 months | 20,000 |
Tel: 0727 424 698
Email: info@nakurucollege.ac.ke
Location: Equator Hse 4th Floor next to Ereto Bookshop, Nakuru
Universities offering sign language courses in Kenya
While most universities offer sign language as units under the special education course, a few universities are already offering specialized sign language courses.
These include:
St. Paul’s University (SPU)
St. Paul’s offers their sign language course at the diploma level – Diploma in Sign Language.
Just so you know, this diploma program takes 1 academic year (3 semesters).
Entry requirements
- At least a KCSE mean score of C- with at least a C- in English/Kiswahili
- Or, a certificate in KSL (proficiency level) or C- in KSL KCSE
However, it’s important to note that the qualifications for deaf people vary a little bit – here are the entry requirements you’ll need to meet if you’re deaf:
- At least a mean grade of C- in KCSE
- C- in KCSE KSL
- At least a C- in English or a pass in an English proficiency test administered by the university
- Additional qualifications in other academic fields such as law, arts, accounting, and so on are an added advantage
Tel: +254 20 2020505/10
Email: info@spu.ac.ke
Kenya Methodist University (KEMU)
KEMU is another university that offers a specialized Certificate in Sign Language course.
The course is offered under the CLPD (Center for Leadership & Professional Development) department.
However, as of the writing of this guide, their course details weren’t available in the public domain.
To learn more about the course, you can get in touch with the CLPD department by sending an email to clpd@kemu.ac.ke.
Is sign language marketable in Kenya?
The demand for qualified sign language professionals is on the rise and for a good reason.
You see, as our society becomes more inclusive, we’re seeing a growing need for sign language interpreters in all sorts of settings from courtrooms to newsrooms to corporate offices among other settings.
But here’s the kicker – there’s still a shortage of qualified sign language professionals in Kenya.
As such, if you’ve got the necessary skills, you’re in a pretty sweet spot.
This is because companies are increasingly looking to hire individuals who can bridge the communication gap, making you a valuable asset in the job market.
Plus, let’s not forget that you can start your own side hustle by teaching deaf students online. For instance, you can offer classes teaching digital marketing skills (or any other skills you’re an expert on) to the deaf online while charging for it.
So, is sign language marketable in Kenya?
Absolutely! It’s not only a skill but also an opportunity that can open more doors for you.
Colleges offering sign language courses in Kenya – final words
Remember, if you’re interested in learning sign language, you do not have to be restricted by your location or busy work schedule.
At Kenya Online College, we’ve made it easier than ever to learn from anywhere and at any time.
Our expert trainers are ready to teach you through fully practical online classes.
For more information about our program (or to book your slot), call/WhatsApp us at 0797 532 345.
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Patrick is a digital marketer and web designer by profession but on the side, he talks about how to use skills to make money online. He studied Applied Statistics at the university. He’s also an avid reader and digital skills trainer. Have any questions? Connect with him on LinkedIn.