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Kenyan Innovator Develops AI Sign Language App Terp 360

4 hours ago

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Kenyan innovator Elly Savatia develops Terp 360, an AI-powered app translating speech into sign language using lifelike 3D avatars.

By News National Editorial Team

A Kenyan technology innovator is using artificial intelligence to break communication barriers for deaf and hard-of-hearing people through an innovative application that translates spoken words into sign language in real time.

Elly Savatia, the creator of Terp 360, developed the technology after recognising the difficulties deaf people face in accessing education, employment opportunities and essential healthcare services.

In many places, qualified sign language interpreters are difficult to find or too expensive for schools, businesses and healthcare institutions to employ regularly.

How Terp 360 Works

Terp 360 uses artificial intelligence and lifelike 3D animated avatars to convert spoken language into sign language.

When someone speaks, the application processes the words and displays their meaning through a digital avatar performing corresponding sign language gestures.

The technology aims to make everyday communication easier without requiring a human interpreter to be physically present for every interaction.

Developed Alongside the Deaf Community

One important aspect of the project is its community-focused development.

Savatia and his team at Signvrse worked with deaf and hard-of-hearing Kenyans to develop a more natural signing experience.

According to the Royal Academy of Engineering, the technology incorporates more than 2,300 locally recorded signs, including commonly used words and phrases.

The platform supports translations involving English, Swahili and Kenyan Sign Language (KSL).

International Recognition

In October 2025, Elly Savatia won the prestigious 2025 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, organised by the UK's Royal Academy of Engineering.

He received £50,000 to support the development and expansion of Terp 360.

The award recognises engineering innovations that address important challenges across Africa.

A New Direction for Accessible Technology

Terp 360 demonstrates how AI can be applied beyond conventional business applications to address real-world accessibility challenges.

Its development could create new opportunities for communication in classrooms, workplaces, hospitals and public services.

However, continued development, accuracy testing and collaboration with deaf communities will remain important to ensure that automated translations convey the meaning and expressions of sign languages correctly.

The project also highlights the growing contribution of African innovators to global technology development.

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