Why I resigned from a lucrative job to put sign language on TV- Luke Kizito Muleka

You have just resigned to oversee your Sign Language Television?

Yes. I quit, leaving quite a good salary, but this pet project is closer to my heart. It requires own close supervision and monitoring. I cannot afford to divide my mind between job and the project.

Why sign language?

I have a deaf sister who motivated me into this project. I recall during our childhood, as the rest of the family enjoyed watching television programmes such as movies, music and other local entertainment, she was totally missing out and in a world of her own. It kept me thinking how l could help her. I promised that one day I would persuade television stations to air sign language programmes, even if a few so that people who are deaf can like her could enjoy too.

How has it been chasing your dream?

It hasn't been easy, but l kept that dream alive even as l went through schools and colleges. I also took time to learn sign language. In 2011, l went back to my pet project. First, l visited various television stations requesting them to air sign language programmes so as to benefit the deaf community. At this time, few had sign interpreters during news time. We needed more programmes for the deaf community. Also, through my Signs Media Kenya Limited, a company that owns Signs Television, l have been involved with entertainment for the deaf. In January, 2012, l collaborated with Embassy of Finland invited a world feted Deaf Rap artiste Marko Vuoriheimo, popularly known as Signmark to Kenya, to perform music in sign language. He inspired local deaf artistes l have been working with like Lal Daggy, and Deaf Hand Group (Douglas Munyendo and Peter Kithaka aka Alfie).

What response did you get from television stations?

They declined. Televisions told me were not comfortable airing programmes that had no voice, as it would not going to augur well with their marketers/advertisers and majority of their audience (hearing population). The refusal was a blessing in disguise, because it pushed me into thinking of starting own station. I embarked on journey to look for frequency for sign language television. I got the frequency.

Now you have the frequency, what next...?

I started looking for partners because financing the programme was costly. Along the way I met people who discouraged me, saying no one has ever done it. It was not going to work. I got few partners but later abandoned it after realizing such was a social enterprise (where one uses business idea to solve society/community need) and as such there aren't immediate returns which were their main target. I convinced myself since it was my dream had to pursue it. I was working as banker and decided to take a loan plus own savings and started constructing a studio and purchasing required equipment. It cost me almost Sh 5 million.

Do you sign with family members?

My wife understands and has learned the sign language. After we met and settled, l would ask for something in sign language. She would ask what l want, and would translate for her in Kiswahili or English. I vowed will not continue interpreting for her the same. Initially my deaf friends would visit and she would find it hard to communicate. She saw the importance and started learning. Today, she understands it. My house help too has learned sign language too. I have seen visiting relatives also learning it. My child is yet even to learn to speak but sign language will be the first to learn because communicating in sign language has become a culture in the house.

Are you a fan of your Sign Language TV?

The Sign Language Channel is one of my favourite. During news time on other Channels like KTN or KTN News, l put off the audio and watch news as the presenter signs.

It the television on air?

Yes. We went on air on February 10, 2017 and since then the reception has been positive. We have many people following it on social media and giving a lot of positive and encouraging comments. They laud it for addressing entertainment need for the deaf community. It currently shows program within Nairobi and its environs but we are expanding across the country in the next six months.

What programmes are being aired?

It airs films/movies, music-both gospel and secular and Bible interpretations, on GoTV and Startimes.

Any achievements?

The deaf are excited about the station. A musician Lal Daggy is happy we are playing his music and more talented deaf artistes have come up and want to record their music, plays and other entertainment activities not that there is a platform for them now. Institutions dealing with people with disabilities especially the deaf can now nurture their talents like in music, drama among others and air them here.

Are you happy your dream has come to pass?

Yes, I am happy my sister and other deaf people would soon enjoy many programmes aired in sign language. However, there are so much to be done. It is just the beginning. I wish all Kenyans take up sign language so that they can watch the television, mingle and communicate well with the deaf.

Tell us your background?

I was born 1981 and attended Mundika, Busia County and Mundika primary later Kakamega High, and pursued degree in Accounts at Strathmore University.

How easy or tough was the venture?

The problem has been the finances. The partners l had hinged hopes joined and left without warning. We still do not have local content for deaf culture, so we need to start and develop it which requires time and costly.

Up to this point, whats more?

The journey continues... I plan to engage with Journalism training institutions to have deaf students train as journalists; they will handle live broadcast in future. Institutions we talked to are ready to take up the challenge and that is good for us. Although sign language will be taught in schools, we need to talk to schools to also have sign language clubs so as to have students participate and have symposiums and competition events in sign language.

Want to appeal to Kenyan artistes to be flexible and do sign language music or even collaborate with deaf artistes. Lastly, l need to start planning for construction of live studios. Its costly because it will required not less than Sh 5 million.