The Stammering Association of Kenya, an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and inclusion of people who stammer, would like to address the discriminatory 2023 recruitment requirements set by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) against Persons who Stammer (PWS).

In an interview with Citizen TV’s JKL Show aired on Wednesday 16 August 2023, Lt. Gen. Jonah Mwangi, Vice Chief of Defense Forces emphasized the stipulation that applicants or recruits must not stutter or stammer. Lt. Gen. Jonah Mwangi reiterated this point gingerly during the interview, albeit cautiously, implying that those who stammer lack effective communication skills.

We firmly believe that this approach is a violation of the right to equality and freedom from discrimination based on one’s disability, and an infringement of legal and human rights provisions.

Stammering is simply a disruption to the natural flow of speech and does not mean non-communication. Reasonable accommodation can and is used to support Persons who Stammer (PWS) to communicate effectively.

We call upon the Ministry of Defense, the esteemed CS Defense, Hon. Aden Duale, KDF Recruitment Officers, and the general public to review the recruitment policies that discriminate against Persons who Stammer.

Such a requirement infringes on the constitutional rights provided for in Article 27(4) and (5) which forbids discrimination on any ground, including disability-related discrimination in employment and labor relations.

This viewpoint also disregards the principles enshrined in the UNCRPD, Part III section 12(1) of the Persons with Disability Act, and Articles 19(1) and (2)(a) of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa.

This framework, which Kenya has ratified and is a signatory to stipulates equality and non-discrimination on the basis of disability. We assert that stammering does not equate to poor communication; rather, it signifies an alternative form of communication that is no less valuable. The Ministry of Defense should thus embrace PWS in their diversity.

We urge the Ministry to recognize the latent potential that Persons who Stammer (PWS) can contribute to the disciplined forces. Persons who stammer (PWS) possess exceptional listening skills, a trait that makes them remarkable communicators, valuable not only on the frontlines but also in specialized roles like cybersecurity.

The inclusion of people who stammer in the disciplined forces will also be a big stride in preventing instances of harassment to the public in line of duty – especially when dealing with people with speech impairments. It is a misconception to believe that verbal communication is the only form of effective communication.

While we commend Lt. Gen. Jonah Mwangi for his recognition that stammering is involuntary, we request the Ministry to take decisive action towards inclusion.

In the current recruitment drive, we propose that a portion of the constitutionally mandated 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities be allocated to qualified persons who stammer, as an innovative experiment in diversity and inclusion. These results, upon successful pass-out, could then be shared to drive mainstreaming, just like the case for gender, in the forces.

The Stammering Association of Kenya stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry on disability inclusion training, fostering awareness not only about stammering but also about various disabilities. We firmly believe that it is only through collective action that we can create an inclusive society where every individual’s potential is valued and harnessed.

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About the Stammering Association of Kenya

The Stammering Association of Kenya is an organization advocating for the rights and inclusion of individuals who stammer, along with their families and friends. Our mission is to create stammering awareness; support and empower people who stammer or stutter and their communities and improve their lives by promoting equality in the workplace and other aspects of life.