Why Us?
Fighting Prejudice Through Proven Impact
Holistic Inclusion: From Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) training to inclusive education, sports, healthcare and WASH projects, we ensure no aspect of a Deaf person’s life is left behind.
Deaf-Led Authority: We are an organization “of and for” the Deaf. Our leadership and staff possess the lived experience and professional expertise to create solutions that truly work.
Proven Scale: With over 30,000 entrepreneurs trained, we have a demonstrated track record of transforming economic marginalization into self-reliance.
Systemic Change: Beyond service delivery, we challenge the root causes of prejudice by training duty-bearers and holding institutions accountable to national disability laws.
We challenge the discrimination and systemic prejudice facing the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. We believe in a world where talent is universal, but opportunity is not. Our mission is to bridge this gap by proving that with the right access, Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals possess the skills and determination necessary to thrive in every sector of society.
Our Programs
“Our programs are strategically designed to transform the lives and life chances of Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons across the Republic of Kenya. By dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusive environments, we ensure the community has the resources, skills, and advocacy required to achieve full independence and equality
Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Livelihoods
We empower Deaf and Hard of Hearing Kenyans to break the cycle of extreme poverty. Through our strategic partnerships with the National and County Governments, we have successfully trained over 30,000 individuals in entrepreneurship and business management. By providing innovative financing knowledge and linking entrepreneurs with professional mentors, we turn individual skills into sustainable self-employment and inclusive business growth.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights
We empower the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community to take full control of their bodily autonomy. By providing accessible information in Kenyan Sign Language (KSL), we ensure that Deaf Kenyans—particularly women and youth—can make informed choices regarding their health. Our program goes beyond education; we train our members to hold healthcare providers and policy-makers accountable for delivering inclusive, stigma-free SRHR services.
Inclusive Education & Adaptive Sports
We bridge the educational gap by equipping teachers and education stakeholders with specialized skills in Deaf pedagogy. Our training provides practical, classroom-ready strategies and Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) proficiency to ensure Deaf learners are not just present, but actively succeeding. Beyond the classroom, we champion inclusive sports programs that foster physical well-being, teamwork, and social integration for Deaf youth across Kenya.
Human Rights Advocacy & Institutional Strengthening
We work at the intersection of policy and practice to ensure the rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Kenyans are not just recognized, but enforced. DESK builds the capacity of key judicial, legislative, and law enforcement institutions to implement existing disability laws effectively. By providing technical expertise on Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) accessibility and inclusive policy frameworks, we ensure that the legal system is responsive to the needs of the Deaf community.
Kenyan Sign Language and Awareness
Communication is the foundation of inclusion. We work to dismantle the barriers that isolate the Deaf community by promoting KSL as a vital national language. Through our specialized InclusivePath Consulting wing, we provide professional KSL training and disability-inclusive audits for organizations. By bringing the hearing and Deaf communities closer together, we create a society where communication flows freely and every citizen can participate in national life.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
We are committed to an ambitious 2026 vision: achieving universal access to safely managed water and sanitation for all Deaf and Hard of Hearing Kenyans. Recognizing that our community is often the most vulnerable to water insecurity, we prioritize the poorest households in our interventions. We advocate for and implement inclusive WASH infrastructure that ensures Deaf individuals can access life-sustaining resources with dignity, safety, and independence.
Decent Jobs and Inclusive Employment
We are redefining the Kenyan workforce by proving that deafness is not a barrier to professional excellence. DESK actively fights workplace discrimination and social prejudice by partnering with employers to create inclusive hiring practices. We advocate for “Decent Work” as defined by international standards—ensuring that Deaf and Hard of Hearing professionals have access to fair wages, career advancement, and workspaces that utilize Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) and assistive technology.
Emergency Relief & Resilience Support
We provide a vital safety net for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals facing extreme poverty or humanitarian crises. Our Food and Non-Food Aid program delivers essential nutrition and hygiene kits to families in need, directly increasing their resilience against economic shocks. By ensuring basic needs are met, we allow our members to focus on long-term empowerment and participation in society without the immediate threat of food insecurity.
Support Services & Resource Hub
Beyond our core pillars, DESK serves as a critical bridge between the Deaf community and essential public services. We provide high-quality Translation and Interpretation services to ensure clear communication in legal, medical, and professional settings. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive Referral Network, connecting individuals and families to specialized education, healthcare, and socio-economic opportunities. We are particularly dedicated to supporting parents of Deaf children, providing them with the necessary guidance, resources, and community links to ensure their children thrive from an early age.