My name is Dennis Mugambi, a Deaf student studying for a master’s degree in Human Rights at the University of Nairobi. My journey here isn’t just about earning a degree—it's about embarking on a mission to fight for the rights of every person, regardless of their circumstances. Being awarded the second Krystle Kabare Scholarship and being the first Deaf MA student to receive this honour has allowed me to experience a journey beyond academics. My journey has been about breaking barriers, challenging perceptions, and hopefully inspiring others to push past their own limits.
Overcoming Obstacles
Although deafness brings some obstacles in the academic realm, it has never hindered my quest for learning. In April 2023, I finished the coursework required for my MA degree and began working on my capstone research project. Named “Ensuring Equal Access to Justice for Individuals with Disabilities in Nairobi County,” my research seeks to close the divide between the theoretical framework on disability rights and inclusion, especially as the social and human rights models of disability and the practical real-life situations of people with disabilities in the legal system.
My initial research suggests that providing equal access to justice for individuals with disabilities in all four aspects - substantive justice (fair legal outcomes), procedural justice (fair legal processes), symbolic justice (recognition of rights), and participatory justice (equal voice in the system) - is a significant concern. Different disabilities in Kenya face unequal access barriers in the legal system, hindering their ability to compete with the hearing community. For example, communication barriers may hinder substantive justice by impeding clear legal rights and procedures communication. These challenges create significant disparities in access to justice compared to hearing communities in Kenya.
During this research project, the University of Nairobi (UON) has been crucial for my intellectual development. It has inspired me to be dedicated and concentrated in collecting the essential materials that make up the foundation of my thesis. My MA professors have encouraged a culture of independent readership, prompting us to analyse the content we come across. Focusing on the questions “why,” “what,” “how,” and “who” has become the foundation of my research strategy. More specifically, my two supervisors have been sources of constant support and assistance throughout the complex research process, helping me begin my journey with their approval of my research proposal. I collected extensive data from February and March 2024, which has revealed much information that I am now carefully analysing. As I continue exploring the information, my excitement for graduating in December 2024 grows.
Gratitude for Opportunity
The Krystle Kabare scholarship has played a crucial role in shaping my academic path. I have noticed the significant investment they have made in my education. Being the second recipient of this scholarship and the first Deaf MA student to be awarded it, I feel extremely honoured. This opportunity has given me the ability to work towards my ambitions and push for a more inclusive legal system. The scholarship made a difference, providing academic support from October 2021 to April 2023, and research materials for my MA research project. I am very grateful for the scholarship, which has allowed me to focus on my research full-time without the burden of student loans. Winning this scholarship has been my honour and incredibly motivating and a valuable platform to share my research findings with the broader community. It acknowledges my hard work and potential and fuels my desire to continue making a positive impact in Kenya and Africa.
My story goes beyond just academic goals; it reflects how education can change lives and the resilience of the Deaf community. While I keep working on my thesis, I stay dedicated to social justice. I believe my research will help shift the balance of justice in favour of equality for individuals with disabilities in the future.