Kenyan Sign Language (English: KSL, Swahili: LAK) is a sign language used by the deaf community in Kenya and Somalia. It is used by over half of Kenya's estimated 600,000 deaf population. There are some dialect differences between Kisumu (western Kenya), Mombasa (eastern Kenya) and Somalia. (See Somali Sign Language.) Language situation As well as Kenyan Sign Language, a number of other languages have been used for instruction in Kenya: Belgian Sign Language (in one school only), British Sign Language (in one school only), American Sign Language, KIE Signed English, and even Korean Sign Language. It is probable that students in these schools use a form of KSL regardless. A manual alphabet exists mainly from the American Sign Language manual alphabet. However the British manual alphabet was used in the early years. Status and recognition KSL currently has no legal status, but there is a proposal that Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) and Braille should be recognized in the country's new constitution as national and official Languages alongside English and Swahili. Interpreters are rarely available, and usually 'unqualified' uncertified due to the lack of a training program/certification process. Kenya Sign Language Interpreters Association Kenya Sign Language Interpreters Association was set up by a group of 20 local interpreters after a training by the first Deaf Education US Peace Corps Volunteers in September 2000. Prior to this training there were several short term trainings conducted by KSLRP/KNAD dating back to 1980s and 1990s. [KSLIA] is an indigenous initiative evolving and strengthening the face of the Interpreting profession in Kenya. [KSLIA] hopes to improve and elevate the standards of Interpreting in Kenya through the following objectives: To secure official recognition by the government of SL interpreters profession; Encourage and promote initiatives in improving the standards of SL interpreting and interpreter training and pay scale of interpreters depending on their level and skills of interpretation through certification; Cooperation with other recognized bodies concerned in the welfare of the deaf and in provision of SL interpreters throughout the world; Awareness creation on Deafness and SL interpreters through publication of information materials; To collect and raise funds for the achievement of goals and objectives through membership fee, subscription, contribution, gifts or donations, commissions and payments, fund raising whether in money or otherwise from both members and non-members; To maintain and administer a registry of SL interpreters in Kenya, enforce a code of ethics and mediate conflict