An evaluation of the implementation of Kenyan Sign Language as an examinable subject and its effect on academic performance of deaf students at Rev. Muhoro Secondary for the Deaf in Mukureini, Nyeri County

Abstract

This research focused on evaluating the implementation of Kenya Sign Language as an examinable subject in schools for the deaf in Kenya. Kenya Sign Language is the language that deaf people in Kenya use to communicate. After the Koech Report of 2000, Kenya Sign Language was included into the school curriculum as an option for Kiswahili as an examinable subject. Despite this change, it is important to note that deaf students still perform poorly in school especially when it comes to reading and writing, and communication in the school setting is popularly Kenya Sign Language which is their first language, therefore KSL has also been used as a method of teaching other subjects in deaf schools. This research sought to understand how Kenya Sign Language as an examinable subject has influenced academic performance of deaf children in relation to other subjects. This study also sought to present recommendations that may guide teaching and learning in schools for the deaf as well as improve academic performance of deaf children in Kenya