Deaf model wants institutions to get sign interpreters

 Babelynn, who is the reigning Miss Tourism Mombasa, said she had personally suffered, even as a beauty queen, in public places as there are very few laws protecting the deaf Photo: Courtesy

Babelynn Mukila, the 22-year-old model who made history by becoming the first girl to win a major national beauty pageant, wants public institutions to employ sign interpreters to help hearing impaired people.

She also wants the Government to come up with policies to ensure that people with hearing impairments get equal rights and opportunities in every sector.

Speaking to MondayBlues through her sign interpreter, Babelynn, who is the reigning Miss Tourism Mombasa, said she had personally suffered, even as a beauty queen, in public places as there are very few laws protecting the deaf.

“Recently, I went seeking for university enrolment in a number of Mombasa universities and could not get admission. I was referred to the University of Nairobi's main campus yet I live in Mombasa. That has forced me to do an online course with a UK university," she said.

“This also happens to people with such challenges in hospitals, police stations, the courts, planes... every public place. Something must be done and I have taken it upon myself to advocate for such changes,” said the girl who is currently holding a communications job in Governor Hassan Joho’s office.