Speaking to the teams, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, welcomed them to the University.

‘I take this opportunity to welcome you to MMUST. Thank you for choosing MMUST. I wish you successful competitions,” he said.

From left: Mr. Patrick Wekesa (Academy of Sports), Mr. Stephen Waweru (President, Deaf Football Federation of Kenya) and Mr. Abel Wekesa (Ministry of Sports).

According to the President of the Federation, Mr. Stephen Waweru, only thirty (30) out of the one hundred and fifty (150) players from eight teams will be selected to take part in a three-week national camping and training on Sunday, 20th March 2022 in Nairobi. Thereafter, twenty-three (23) players will be selected to represent Kenya and Africa in the Championships in the Women Football Games for the Deaf.

Mr. Abel Manyala, a Senior Sports Officer in the Ministry of Sports and member of the Local Organizing Committee, said that apart from football, other games including handball and athletics will be played. Mr. Manyala is also the Deputy Team Manager for the selected team that will travel to Brazil.

Mr. Patrick Wekesa, representing the Academy of Sports- a State Corporation under the Ministry of Sports, said the Academy aims to nurture and sharpen talents. He expressed his gratitude to MMUST for having agreed to host the games and said that he looks forward to continued partnership with the University to empower the deaf in Kakamega County.

 By: Nashilluh Brendah Kabindio and Linet Owuor

Photos by: Wilberforce Shiundu