Developing various strategies to share eBooks with millions of deaf students

LoHo Learning in Kenya creates eBooks for the deaf using sign language. Partnering with eKitabu, it piloted projects in schools, enhancing digital access for teachers and children with hearing impairments.

LoHo Learning, a Nairobi-based start-up, creates eBooks for the deaf and hard of hearing, focusing on children and their teachers in mainstream primary schools. Featuring professional Kenyan Sign Language, the eBooks are broadly available through eKitabu and WorldReader, leading providers of digital content. LoHo also partners with such telecom providers as Safaricom to make their material accessible on mobile devices, and has started to work directly with schools, piloting with Kasarani Treeside School for the Deaf.

Problems Targeted

Kenya lacks accessible learning resources specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing learners, teachers, and parents.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

LoHo Learning’s eBooks follow Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development guidelines and include human-based interpretations to fully convey Kenyan Sign Language (KSL). Developed by experienced deaf and hard-of-earing teachers, the eBooks capture essential facial expressions and body movements for relevance and effectiveness. Available through platforms such as eKitabu and WorldReader, these eBooks reach millions. LoHo partners with eKitabu and WorldReader to distribute content to low-income families by mobilizing grants to cover subscription fees. Device producers such as Elimutab also include LoHo’s educational content on their devices, providing preloaded materials for schools, teachers, and parents. At Kasarani Treeside School for the Deaf, LoHo pilots its ICT tool with a library of KSL-interpreted eBooks for 80 learners, 3 teachers, and 60 parents. By partnering with schools, county governments, and local organizations, LoHo gathers detailed usage data and feedback to continuously improve and refine its content.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

LoHo Learning is expanding partnerships with local schools and educational institutions. Revenue models with schools often involve collaboration with county or national governments and NGOs that subsidize costs. By working closely with the government, the solution is being integrated into the national curriculum, gaining credibility and fostering long-term sustainability. In 2024 the government allocated 4,500 Kenyan shillings ($35) per learner per year for limited educational resources. There are also partnerships with Safaricom and other telecom providers, as well as Elimu Tab, a producer of edutech devices. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

Pictures

LoHo Learning eBooks feature professional Kenyan Sign Language and are widely available.

LoHo Learning eBooks feature professional Kenyan Sign Language and are widely available.

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