The Ministry of Health confirmed the first case of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Nairobi, on the 12th March 2020, the first one to be reported in Kenya since the beginning of the outbreak in China in December 2019.
The media was in uproar getting more information on COVID-19, having experts on their screens, or radio expounding on this virus, how it arrived in Kenya, symptoms, the prevention, socio-economic effects and on and on. Then came the government directives; immediate closure of schools, curfews, cessation of movement, restaurants to only sell take away food, social distancing, wearing of masks in public places or is it all times etc. Most of this information on COVID-19 was in text and audio which left out a very key population in Kenya unable to access this information.
The University of Nairobi is the only University that prides in implementing its disability mainstreaming policy. Its website has a disability icon for easier navigation for these students and faculty within the University community. We are also the only public university that has a pool of Kenyan sign language interpreters that ensure accessibility for Deaf students in classes, in addition to provision of interpretation services at functions and events at the campus, enhancing a sense of belonging. UoN currently, has a growing intake of Deaf students whose right to education is promoted. These students range from undergrad all through PhD undertaking their courses with ease just like the hearing students.
Persons With Disabilities during COVID-19 face more discrimination, violence and barriers to accessing information, education and services related to gender based violence and sexual reproductive health. The risks are higher with girls and women with disabilities.
What intervention measures can be most effective in reducing these stats? The University of Nairobi's interpreter was involved in making information on COVID-19 in a deaf friendly format. Kindly check out the video on our Dean of Students Facebook.This is not the only measure, the UoN has its members in different forums ensuring that the disability are not left behind in terms of fast responsive healthcare, online learning platforms on boarding, faster rate conversion of gender based violence reported cases with the goal of creating an eco system where they too can survive and thrive. This needs to be a continuous ongoing conversations and inclusivity.
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