Senate demands answers on Sh419 million Deaflympics budget
Senator Asige highlighted the importance of the Deaflympics as a platform that goes beyond sports, offering recognition and opportunities for athletes with hearing impairments.
The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has questioned the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports on Kenya’s level of readiness for the 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, scheduled from November 15 to 26, 2025.
Tuesday’s session, led by Vice Chairperson Senator Crystal Asige, examined issues ranging from funding gaps to team selection and the management of deaf sports in the country.
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Senators expressed alarm over reports that only five of twelve potential teams were approved to participate, citing the need for fair and inclusive representation.
Senator Asige highlighted the importance of the Deaflympics as a platform that goes beyond sports, offering recognition and opportunities for athletes with hearing impairments.
“We must ensure that no athlete is left behind simply because of bureaucratic or financial hurdles,” she said, urging immediate intervention by the ministry.
Concerns were also raised over the selection process, with senators questioning the criteria used to exclude seven teams that have long represented Kenya in international competitions.
Senator Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi) pressed the Cabinet Secretary on why certain disciplines received funding while others, with consistent records, were left out.
“How does the Ministry justify sidelining teams that have consistently represented Kenya in past competitions?” he asked, pointing to reduced financial allocations compared to prior Deaflympics.
Senator Alexander Mundigi (Embu) focused on the integrity of the management committee, demanding clarity on whether individuals previously implicated in the misappropriation of more than Sh10 million are excluded from the current operations.
“We need assurance that those under investigation are not part of the ongoing processes,” he emphasised.
Other members, including Senator Seki Lenku (Kajiado) and Senator Miraj Abdullahi (joining virtually), backed calls for transparency and accountability in the handling of public funds for sports involving persons with disabilities.
CS Salim Mvurya responded that the ministry had taken steps to stabilise the Kenya Sports Federation of the Deaf following disputes and suspensions by international authorities.
He confirmed that a steering and management committee has been appointed, with 179 athletes already attending training camps at Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani, and Nyayo Stadium.
He further disclosed that Sh419 million had been allocated to the Deaflympics, managed through a dedicated account to ensure proper auditing and oversight.
“We have implemented safeguards to promote transparency and to restore confidence in the administration of Deaf Sports,” Mvurya said.
The committee concluded that further explanations were needed regarding the exclusion of teams and emphasised that all eligible athletes should be allowed to compete, underscoring the principles of fairness, inclusion, and accountability in sports.
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