Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has argued that deaf athletes in Kenya require deliberate support from the government to achieve excellence in the sports discipline.

Speaking on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the legislator noted that even though the government is trying to bridge the gap, more needs to be done regarding athletes living with disability.

In August 2025, Crystal Asige sought a statement seeking accountability from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports on Kenya’s preparedness for the 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo this November.

Fair treatment and support

She raised concerns over inadequate funding, inclusion and welfare of Deaf athletes, the governance of Deaf Sports Federations, and the measures in place to ensure transparency and equity in Kenya’s participation at the Games. In response, CS Hon. Salim Mvurya appeared before the committee on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, and confirmed that only five disciplines out of the original 12 – Athletics (Men & Women), Basketball (Women), Golf (Men & Women), Swimming (Men & Women), and Handball (Men) – will represent Kenya this year due to budget constraints.

The Sports CS also stated that only Ksh419 million out of the proposed Ksh1 billion has been allocated for Tokyo 2025. ”While today’s discussions concluded with some progress, the deeper issue remains – deaf athletes in our country require far more deliberate support and budget if they are to achieve athletic excellence in representing Kenya, just like other Kenyan athletes enjoy,” Asige noted.

Govt’s commitment

On his part, Salim Mvurya said that streamlined governance structures are essential for all sports federations to ensure that athletes are shielded from administrative disputes that may hinder the growth, development, and nurturing of talent.

”With the selected athletes set to represent Kenya at the 25th Summer Deaflympics, scheduled for November 2025 in Tokyo, Japan, already in training camp, the government has continued to lend a listening ear to the concerns raised by federation members,” Mvurya noted.

The CS also provided clear guidance and practical mechanisms to resolve the matters, as presented before the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare of the Senate, chaired by Asige.