NAIROBI, Kenya – The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has raised concerns over Kenya’s preparedness for the 25th Summer Deaflympics set to take place in Tokyo, Japan, from November 15 to 26, 2025.
During a sitting on Tuesday chaired by Vice Chairperson Senator Crystal Asige, members questioned the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports on issues ranging from funding shortfalls and team selection to the overall management of deaf sports in the country.
Senators expressed alarm over reports that only five of the twelve teams earmarked to represent Kenya were approved to participate, terming the move unfair and exclusionary.
“We must ensure that no athlete is left behind simply because of bureaucratic or financial hurdles,” said Senator Asige, calling for swift intervention by the ministry.
Senator Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi) pressed the ministry to explain why some teams that have consistently represented Kenya internationally were left out of this year’s delegation.
“How does the Ministry justify sidelining teams that have a strong track record in past Deaflympics?” he posed, citing reduced allocations compared to previous years.
Senator Alexander Mundigi (Embu) demanded accountability in the management of funds, seeking clarification on whether individuals implicated in the alleged misappropriation of over Sh10 million from past events are still involved in current operations.
“We need assurance that those under investigation are not part of the ongoing processes,” he said.
Other members, including Senator Seki Lenku (Kajiado) and Senator Miraj Abdullahi, echoed the call for transparency and equitable support for athletes with disabilities.
In his response, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the ministry had taken steps to stabilise the Kenya Sports Federation of the Deaf, which had faced leadership disputes and suspensions by international authorities.
Mvurya told the committee that a new steering and management committee was in place, and 179 athletes were already training at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums.
He added that Sh419 million had been allocated for Kenya’s Deaflympics preparations, to be managed through a dedicated account for improved accountability.
“We have implemented safeguards to promote transparency and to restore confidence in the administration of deaf sports,” Mvurya assured the senators.
The committee concluded that more details were needed on the exclusion of the seven teams and urged the ministry to uphold fairness, inclusion, and accountability as Kenya prepares to take part in the global event.
