In a remarkable display of resilience, three ladies with hearing-impaired problems from Murang’a have proven that disability is not synonymous with inability. Despite the challenges they face, Evelyn Wanjiku, Gathefa Wairimu, and Pauline Gathoni have secured and maintained jobs at a local beauty shop within Murang’a town, where they continue to thrive in their work environment. In an interview with KNA at their place of work, the three young women shared how they manage to communicate and provide excellent service to their customers despite their inability to speak or hear.
The three work as tellers in a beauty shop located at the heart of Murang’a town with a branch at Mukuyu market in the outskirts of the town. One of the strategies they use to communicate with their customers is to wear a visible tag that notifies customers of their condition, their names, and encourages them to use sign language. In instances where a customer may not be familiar with sign language, the young ladies use a paper and pen to write down messages, allowing both parties to understand each other clearly.
Evelyn Wanjiku, using sign language, explained that she is 26 years old and attended Murang’a school for the deaf for both her primary and secondary education. After completing school, she stayed at home with her parents for several years, but due to hardships and lack of source of livelihood, she decided to search for a job, opting to go from shop to shop asking for any employment opport.