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Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) has signed a deal with Financial Sector Deepening Trust (FSD Kenya) and software engineering firm Deaf eLimu Plus to create the first bank environment Kenyan Sign Language self-training mobile Application.
The solution developed by Deaf eLimu Plus and the first of its kind in Africa aims to support bank employees to learn basic sign language, facilitating better communication with Deaf bank clients.
The App will feature at least one hundred words and ten phrases drawn from common bank-environment vocabulary, including video demonstrations on how to sign the words in KSL.
KBA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Habil Olaka, who spoke during the signing of the agreement said the innovation will enhance the customer experience of Deaf bank clients and support the financial inclusion of the Persons With Disability community.
“The App will play a huge role in building capacity among bank staff on Kenyan Sign Language, facilitating enhanced interactions among bank staff and the Deaf community,” he said.
FSD Kenya Chief Executive Officer Tamara Cook highlighted the need to continue exploring how Clients With Disabilities can get better access to banking services in Kenya.
“I like that we now call them Clients With Disabilities, not just people because these are the clients of banks and they need to have that kind of access and be treated with the respect that they deserve, but also make sure that they have all the information they need to fully utilize those financial services,” she said.
Deaf eLimu Plus founder Hudson Asiema said the partnership is important since the Deaf have always had challenges accessing banking services because of communication challenges.
“This App will be called ‘Deaf eLimu Banking’. It will support banking staff to learn basic Kenyan Sign Language, easing communication and enabling the Deaf to access banking services,” said Asiema.
Findings from the Banking Industry Persons With Disabilities Accessibility pilot study conducted by KBA and FSD Kenya last year indicated that Deaf customers were the least satisfied group of bank clients, with their main area of dissatisfaction being communication.
Bank staff also expressed dissatisfaction with communication while serving Deaf customers.
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