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The Diploma in Kenyan Sign Language Interpretation course prepares students to communicate with and interpret for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. The program develops an awareness of the social, physiological and legal aspects of deafness, prepares students to work as entry-level Sign Language Interpreters who will provide communication access in a variety of settings. In addition, this course provides in-service training for working interpreters who want to upgrade their skills.
Sign language interpreters must be proficient in Kenyan Sign Language and English/Kiswahili or local/foreign languages. They must have an in-depth knowledge of the cultural norms and practices of deaf people and other nationalities. Interpreters must have excellent interpersonal communication skills to be able to successfully work directly with people. They may interpret confidential information, which requires integrity and good character.
The course work includes the acquisition of Kenyan Sign Language (KSL); grammar, structure, and sociolinguistic properties; cognitive processes associated with interpretation between KSL and English, Kiswahili; the structure and character of the deaf community; and acquisition of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting skills. Entry-level jobs for para-professional interpreters are available in professional non-governmental sector, medical facilities, legal and educational systems or a variety of community settings such as family meetings and events, cultural occasions, social events and religious interpreting opportunities or apply language skills to other human service related areas.

To be eligible for the Diploma in Kenyan Sign Language Interpretation course:

• KCSE mean score of C-
• Certificate in KSL proficiency level or C- in KSL KCSE
• English/Kiswahili or local/foreign languages proficiency level KCSE C-
• In liueu a language proficiency rating of intermediate level for 2 above
• A deaf applicant shall possess;
• A mean grade of C- at KCSE
• A grade of C- in English or pass an English proficiency test administered by St. Paul University,
• C (minus) in KSL at KCSE.
• Additional qualifications in other fields for example law, medicine, linguistics, sociology, business, accounting, design, arts, music, education, counseling, psychology etc are added advantage to this course.

Comparative Linguistics: KSL-English/Kiswahili/Local Dialects

This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the linguistic structures of English and Kenyan Sign Language. Topics include the study of sociolinguistics with focus on discourse functions in the two languages, role of syntax and semantics and the creation of meaning.