Our Motto
Our motto is more than just words; it is our promise. We Serve with Pride, celebrating the linguistic and cultural identity of the Deaf community. We Serve with Care, ensuring that our advocacy, education, and health programs are delivered with empathy, dignity, and a focus on the well-being of every person we serve across the Republic of Kenya.
Who we Serve
DESK is dedicated to the empowerment of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community across the Republic of Kenya. Our impact reaches individuals of all ages and backgrounds, with a primary focus on the vibrant population of young Deaf Kenyans. Whether in rural wards or urban centers, we serve those who navigate the world through Kenyan Sign Language (KSL), ensuring that every person—from children to the elderly—has the resources and advocacy needed to thrive in an inclusive society.
Our Vision
To be the leading catalyst for transforming the lives and life chances of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in Kenya, ensuring a future where systemic barriers are replaced by universal access and empowerment.
Our Mission
DESK advances the independence and empowerment of Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons in Kenya by dismantling systemic barriers to inclusion. We achieve this by increasing equitable access to economic resources and entrepreneurship, providing inclusive education and vocational training, fostering community leadership, and championing human rights through relentless advocacy and policy influence.
Who we are
A Leading Organization For and Of the Deaf
The Deaf Empowerment Society of Kenya (DESK) is a registered non-governmental, non-partisan, and not-for-profit organization uniquely led by and for Deaf persons. Founded in 2013 and fully operational since 2015, DESK is headquartered in Embu County and serves as a primary advocate for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing across all 47 counties of Kenya.
Our Origins & Purpose
DESK was established to challenge the systemic discrimination and prejudice that often marginalize the Deaf community. Recognizing a critical gap in specialized programming, we launched with a mission to address the unique linguistic and social needs of Deaf Kenyans. Today, we have evolved into a global thought-leader, ensuring that the Deaf and Hard of Hearing enjoy equal opportunities in every sphere of life—from rural villages to national policy-making halls.
Our Strategic Approach
To improve the standards of living for our community, DESK leverages strategic partnerships with donors, experts, practitioners, and government stakeholders. Our work is grounded in five key pillars of empowerment:
- Human Rights & Advocacy: Protecting the constitutional rights of the Deaf.
- Health & Education: Ensuring accessible healthcare and inclusive pedagogical standards.
- Capacity Building: Equipping individuals with the skills to lead and thrive.
- Socio-Economic & Political Empowerment: Advocating for decent work, political representation, and financial independence.
Through our professional consulting wing, InclusivePath Consulting, we further extend our expertise to the private and public sectors, helping organizations meet 2026 accessibility standards and foster truly inclusive environments.
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Our Core Values
Sustainability
We are committed to creating lasting change rather than temporary relief. Every program we design is aimed at long-term socio-economic sustainability—equipping Deaf and Hard of Hearing Kenyans with the tools, skills, and networks needed to maintain their own independence. For DESK, sustainability means building resilient communities that thrive long after our initial intervention.
Honesty & Integrity
Transparency is the heartbeat of DESK. We are a community of honest individuals committed to the highest levels of accountability in everything we do. We believe that integrity builds trust with our partners and the people we serve. By treating one another with unwavering respect and being open about our processes and progress, we ensure that our advocacy remains credible and impactful across Kenya.
Innovation
In a rapidly evolving world, DESK stays ahead by embracing creative and original solutions to the challenges facing the Deaf community. We leverage modern technology—from digital KSL platforms to inclusive fintech—to dismantle old barriers in new ways. By fostering a culture of constant learning and adaptation, we ensure our impact remains effective and relevant in a fast-paced, globalized society.
Independent Growth
We believe that true empowerment must be self-driven. DESK utilizes a “bottom-up” approach, ensuring our beneficiaries have full ownership over the projects that affect their lives. By putting the community in the driver’s seat, we allow development to take its natural course and evolve organically. This ensures that our growth is not just rapid, but rooted in the authentic needs and aspirations of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people across Kenya.