Debrailler / Braille Transcriber
Mount Kenya University
Quick Take
Convert academic materials into Braille, audio, and digital formats, and provide direct learning support to visually impaired students across lectures, tutorials, and exams.
Bachelor's in Special Needs Education (3+ years) or Diploma with 5+ years experience, proficiency with Braille embossers and transcription software, and proven ability to produce high-quality accessible materials.
Make measurable impact on inclusive education at a leading private university, competitive salary (KES 60–100k/mo), and opportunity to shape disability services within a growing institution.
Job Description
Mount Kenya University (MKU) is seeking a dedicated and skilled Debrailler/Braille Transcriber to join its Disability Inclusion Services team in Nairobi. This is a full-time role designed for a specialist in Special Needs Education who is passionate about enabling equal access to learning for visually impaired students. Reporting to the Dean of Students, the successful candidate will play a central role in ensuring that visually impaired learners at MKU can fully participate in academic life without barriers.
The role involves converting academic and non-academic materials into accessible formats such as Braille, audio, and digital alternatives, operating assistive technologies, and providing direct support during lectures, tutorials, and examinations. If you are committed to inclusive education and have hands-on experience with Braille transcription tools and software, this is an opportunity to make a tangible difference within one of Kenya's leading private universities.
- Assist visually impaired students in accessing both academic and non-academic materials in a timely and accurate manner.
- Convert printed and digital materials into accessible formats including Braille, audio recordings, and electronic documents as required.
- Provide direct support to students with visual impairments during lectures, tutorials, seminars, and examinations.
- Deliver reading and transcription services for visually impaired users across various departments and faculties.
- Operate and maintain assistive technologies and devices used for learning support, including Braille embossers and transcription software.
- Ensure the timely preparation and delivery of accessible learning materials ahead of scheduled academic activities.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of academic documents, examination materials, and student records.
- Support and strengthen disability inclusion services across the university in line with MKU's inclusive education policies.
- Assist in orientation programmes and ongoing support initiatives for students with visual impairments.
- Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor from time to time.
- Must hold a Bachelor's Degree in Education with a specialization in Special Needs Education, with at least 3 years of relevant experience in a recognized institution — OR a Diploma in Education (Special Needs Education) with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
- Demonstrate hands-on ability to operate Braille embossers and transcription software proficiently and independently.
- Proven track record of producing high-quality accessible learning materials for visually impaired learners within an educational or institutional setting.
- Ability to work sensitively and professionally with students with disabilities, respecting their dignity and confidentiality at all times.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple transcription requests and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Working knowledge of assistive technologies used in special needs education, including screen readers and digital accessibility tools.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise effectively with academic staff, students, and the disability services team.
- Demonstrated understanding of Kenya's legal and institutional framework on disability inclusion in higher education is an added advantage.
Mount Kenya University has indicated that the salary for this position is open and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Based on Kenyan university sector benchmarks for a similar role requiring a degree or diploma with 3–5 years of experience, the estimated monthly gross salary range is KES 60,000 – 100,000. Final compensation will be discussed during the selection process.
- Competitive salary benchmarked against the university sector
- Opportunity to work within a leading and fast-growing Kenyan university
- Supportive and purpose-driven working environment
This role is ideal for a Special Needs Education professional who has built genuine expertise in Braille transcription and assistive technology, and who is motivated by a deep commitment to educational inclusion. You should have worked directly with visually impaired learners in a school, college, or university environment and be comfortable handling sensitive academic materials with discretion. Candidates who thrive in a structured institutional setting and can manage their workload independently will be well-suited to this role.
Please do not apply if you do not hold the minimum qualifications stated (Bachelor's or Diploma in Education with Special Needs specialization), if you have no practical experience with Braille embossers or transcription software, or if you have not previously supported learners with visual impairments in a formal educational context.
- Prepare an updated CV and a cover letter addressing your relevant qualifications and experience in Braille transcription and Special Needs Education.
- Include certified copies of your academic and professional certificates.
- Submit your application through Mount Kenya University's official careers portal or recruitment channel as advertised on the MKU website.
- Ensure your application clearly references the position title: Debrailler/Braille Transcriber.
- Applications must be received on or before 4th July 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.
Requirements Breakdown
Must Have
- Bachelor's Degree in Education (Special Needs specialization) with 3+ years relevant experience, OR Diploma in Special Needs Education with 5+ years experience
- Hands-on proficiency operating Braille embossers and transcription software
- Proven track record producing high-quality accessible learning materials for visually impaired students
- Ability to work sensitively with students with disabilities and maintain strict confidentiality
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple transcription requests and tight deadlines
Nice to Have
- Experience with audio recording and digital document conversion tools
- Familiarity with assistive technology devices beyond Braille embossers
- Background in orientation and mobility support for visually impaired individuals
- Prior experience working within a university disability services team
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Salary Context
Competitive mid-range salary for specialized disability support role in Kenyan HE sector
The KES 60–100k range reflects the specialized nature of this role and the candidate's expected qualifications. Salary progression in disability services roles depends on experience level, software certifications, and scope of responsibilities within the institution. MKU's positioning as a leading private university suggests benefits and job security that may offset lower entry points.
About Mount Kenya University
Mount Kenya University is one of Kenya's established private universities, recognized for innovation in higher education and institutional commitment to inclusive learning. MKU serves a diverse student body across multiple faculties and has demonstrated investment in disability services infrastructure. Working at MKU offers exposure to a growing institution modernizing accessibility practices and positioning itself as a leader in inclusive education across East Africa.
Likely Interview Questions
- 1
Tell us about your most recent experience converting academic materials into Braille and other accessible formats. What was the turnaround time, and how did you ensure accuracy?
- 2
Describe a situation where you had to support a visually impaired student during an exam or high-pressure academic situation. How did you handle it?
- 3
Which Braille transcription software and embosser models have you worked with, and how quickly can you learn new systems?
- 4
How do you prioritize and manage multiple transcription requests coming from different departments with competing deadlines?
- 5
What does inclusive education mean to you, and how have you contributed to disability inclusion initiatives in your previous role?
Application Tips
Lead with specific examples of accessible materials you've produced—mention file types (Braille, audio, digital), volume of work, and measurable impact on student outcomes.
Explicitly list every Braille embosser model and software platform you've operated (e.g., Duxbury DBT, Index Braille, JAWS), as technical proficiency is non-negotiable.
Highlight any experience working in an educational institution (university, college, or school) rather than just hospital or community settings—MKU will want sector-specific context.
Career Path
Roles that lead here
Where this leads
Skills & Keywords
Honest Assessment
Green Flags
- Clear emphasis on dignity, confidentiality, and sensitivity—indicates ethical institutional culture and respect for student welfare.
- Explicit mention of assistive technology operation and maintenance—shows MKU invests in infrastructure and expects the hire to grow beyond basic transcription.
- Full-time permanent role at a reputable private university—offers job security and institutional stability rare in disability services sector.
- Structured pathway to support (orientation programmes, ongoing initiatives)—suggests MKU is building a holistic disability services ecosystem, not a one-person operation.
Watch Out
- Job description is incomplete (cuts off mid-sentence on 'under press'), suggesting the posting may not have been fully reviewed or finalized.
- No mention of benefits (health insurance, leave entitlements, professional development budget), which is important for a specialized role requiring ongoing software training.
- Reporting structure shows 'Dean of Students' but no clarity on day-to-day line management or peer team size—potential for isolation or unclear support structure.
A Day in the Life
Monday starts with a briefing meeting on the week's transcription load across five faculties—law materials need audio conversion by Wednesday, engineering diagrams require tactile Braille adaptation by Friday. You spend Tuesday morning operating the Braille embosser, producing lecture notes for three visually impaired students in commerce; Tuesday afternoon you record a 45-minute economics tutorial at 1.5x speed for audio-format delivery. Wednesday involves coordinating with a lecturer to clarify complex mathematical notation that needs Braille-appropriate formatting, then supporting two students during a tutorial session. By Thursday you're preparing exam accommodation materials and attending a department meeting about new assistive technology procurement. Friday wraps with quality-checking completed materials, logging turnaround times, and planning the following week's priorities with your supervisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to be a Debrailler/Braille Transcriber at Mount Kenya University?
You need either a Bachelor's Degree in Education with Special Needs specialization (3+ years experience) or a Diploma in Special Needs Education (5+ years experience). Additionally, you must demonstrate hands-on proficiency with Braille embossers and transcription software and have a proven track record of producing high-quality accessible materials.
Is the Debrailler/Braille Transcriber role at Mount Kenya University remote?
The job posting does not indicate remote work options. Given the nature of the role—operating physical equipment like Braille embossers, providing in-person lecture support, and managing exam accommodations—this is likely a campus-based full-time position in Nairobi.
How much does a Debrailler/Braille Transcriber earn at Mount Kenya University?
The salary range is KES 60,000–100,000 per month, depending on qualifications and experience. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of experience would typically be positioned toward the higher end of the range.
What are the career growth opportunities for this role?
Natural progression includes moving into Disability Services Coordinator or Manager roles overseeing broader inclusion initiatives, transitioning to a University-wide Accessibility Specialist position, or specializing further in assistive technology training and implementation across campus.
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