Empowering Voices: Deaf Kenyan Journalist Shares Inspiring Journey on World Hearing Day

As the global community celebrates World Hearing Day on Sunday, putting the spotlight on ears and hearing care, we delve into the extraordinary story of Edna Kaindi, a deaf journalist from Kenya.

Despite the challenges of deafness, Edna has not only triumphed in the field of journalism, but has become the host of her own TV show, breaking barriers and advocating for change in media representation.

A Journey of Resilience and Support

In her interview with Sputnik Africa, Edna shared insights into her journey towards becoming a successful TV host and news anchor on Kenya's Signs TV.

Having lost her hearing at a young age, Edna found solace in the unwavering support of her family and friends. Their encouragement and dedication to learning sign language enabled Edna to communicate effectively and overcome the challenges of deafness.

"My mother was there and other cousins of mine, my brother was there, and other members, they were very supportive. My mother learned sign language and, really, that encouraged me to grow in a very positive environment," Kaindi told Sputnik Africa. "Their unwavering support and their presence was very crucial in overcoming the challenges that I faced."

Growing up in an environment where sign language was embraced, both at home and in integrated school settings, laid the foundation for Edna to thrive and pursue her passion for communication.

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Despite facing initial obstacles, Edna discovered her calling in journalism.

Although becoming a journalist was not on Kaindi's list of dreams, she was concerned about the negative portrayal of deaf people in the media and saw journalism as a powerful tool to change perspectives and advocate for the skills and talents of the deaf community.

"Journalism became my career choice because it provided a platform to improve my voices, challenges, and stereotype and advocate for change," she said. "I was inspired by the power of storytelling and the impact it can have in shaping perspective."

Her TV show, the Glamour Show, not only showcases lifestyle and beauty stories, but also emphasizes inclusivity by featuring individuals with disabilities alongside those who can hear.

Through her work, she hopes to inspire others, challenge societal norms, and encourage dialogue about the importance of representation and empowerment.

"We need to create awareness that deaf people can also have the abilities and also change the hearing people's perspective," Kaindi emphasized.

Navigating Challenges

Reflecting on her role as a journalist and TV host, Edna Kaindi opened up about the complexities of navigating bias and misinformation while striving for accurate reporting.

"The most challenging part of my job is navigating through the biases and misinformation, while striving for balance and accurate reporting. My inspiration is in the potential to spark dialog, foster understanding and drive positive change through storytelling," the Kenyan journalist disclosed to Sputnik Africa.

With a focus on advocating for greater recognition of sign language internationally, Ms. Kaindi emphasized its crucial role.

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"It is a very vital tool for communication for millions of people across the world, so media can contribute by incorporating sign language interpreters on TV, providing subtitles, and highlighting issues relevant to the deaf community," she said.

Despite the linguistic and cultural variations she has encountered in her journalistic endeavors, Edna's commitment to learning and adapting to different contexts shines through.

By leveraging Kenyan Sign Language and International Sign Language, Kaindi navigates diverse linguistic landscapes, ensuring effective communication and understanding across different platforms and environments.

"So as a deaf person in general, being a media person, we have to really acquit ourselves with knowledge and a lot of what's in the media space," she noted.

Fostering Awareness

On the occasion of World Hearing Day, the Kenyan TV host highlighted common misconceptions surrounding ear and hearing problems.

She said that the most common misconceptions about hearing problems include assumptions about limitations and lack of capabilities. Kaindi emphasized the need for education, awareness of assistive technologies, and the creation of inclusive environments that cater to diverse needs.

In her closing remarks, Edna's message to individuals with special abilities resonates with empowerment, resilience, and belief in one's potential.

"To individuals with special ability, pursuing their dream, I will want to say: Embrace your uniqueness, believe in your potential and never let obstacle define your journey. Seek out to make that and build a support network. Stay true to your passion. Your unique perspective is your greatest strenght, so use it to inspire other people and create a positive change in the world."

Edna Kaindi

A Kenyan deaf journalist and TV host