Inside Nairobi bakery run by deaf people

This is Nairobi Deaf Bakery run by 10 employees, nine of them deaf. 

Sign language is their means of communication. Priscillar Ndingu is the Operations Manager here, overseeing the process of making bread, biscuits and other baked products. 

“This is testament that deaf people can learn skills and work like any other person,” she says. 

Priscillar goes round supervising the teams, making sure that every raw material that goes into the oven meets the requirements. 

“We are all trained on how to bake and make the best products. This work is our lifeline as we can feed our families through it,” she adds, 

Samuel Maweu, who is also deaf, is the production supervisor here. He also helps with the baking process. 

“I was born okay but within two years I lost my hearing ability. My mother did everything to help me but I couldn’t regain hearing. So I went to a special school up to form four and decided to learn this craft,” he says.

He says through this work he is able to support his family, especially his younger siblings, and he looks forward to helping his brother become a chef one day. 

Charles Kimiti is in charge of logistics and delivery. Kimiti, who is also deaf rides the motorbike or delivers using the van parked outside. 

“I have this sign on the bike that shows the police or other road users that I am deaf. I am also very keen on the road and I normally use my eyes carefully to be safe on the road,” Kimiti says.

Besides doing the deliveries for the Nairobi Deaf Bakery, Kimiti is a seasoned racer who takes part in racing competitions.

According to Nairobi Deaf Association Chairman Abdi Abdille, the Nairobi Deaf Bakery is a perfect representation of the abilities of people living with disabilities.

He says more deaf people should be considered for job opportunities and encourages parents to expose their deaf children to opportunities.