Kenya ready for 25th summer Deaflympics in Tokyo - CS Mvurya
Kenya will compete in five disciplines: athletics, women’s basketball, men’s handball, golf, and swimming.
Kenya is fully prepared to take part in the 25th Summer Deaflympics Games scheduled for November 15–26, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has announced.
In a statement, Mvurya said the Kenya Sports Federation of the Deaf (KSFD) had completed all logistical and technical preparations for the national contingent of 122 participants, who will depart for Tokyo in batches between November 12 and 14.
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“Kenya is ready to participate in the 25th Summer Deaflympics Games in Tokyo, Japan. The Kenya Sports Federation of the Deaf (KSFD) has finalised preparations for the national contingent of 122 participants, who will depart for Tokyo in batches between November 12 and November 14, 2025,” he said.
The Sports CS reaffirmed the government’s support for Team Kenya, describing the Deaflympics as a symbol of inclusion, equality, and empowerment through sport.
“The Deaflympics embodies the spirit of inclusion, equality, and empowerment. Kenya’s participation reflects our commitment to creating equal opportunities for Deaf athletes to excel and represent the nation with pride,” he added.
Team Kenya has been in a residential training camp in Nairobi since October 19, intensifying preparations ahead of the Games, which are expected to attract over 6,000 athletes and officials from around the world.
Kenya will compete in five disciplines: athletics, women’s basketball, men’s handball, golf, and swimming.
However, the country was forced to scale down its participation from the initially planned 12 events due to budget constraints. KSFD president Bernard Kuria confirmed that the decision was made after consultations with the Ministry of Sports.
“Initially, we had a contingent that had 12 disciplines, but after deliberations with government officials, we had to reduce some of the teams,” said Kuria. “It was purely a financial decision, not because other disciplines are smaller or incapable of winning medals.”
This will be Kenya’s eighth appearance at the Deaflympics since debuting at the 1997 edition in Copenhagen, Denmark. The nation has recorded consistent improvement over the years, highlighted by a historic performance at the 2022 Games in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, where Kenya won 24 medals and finished 11th overall out of 73 participating nations, its best-ever result.
Kenya also topped Africa at the 2017 Games in Samsun, Turkey, where it claimed five gold, five silver, and six bronze medals to finish ninth globally.
Mvurya said Kenya’s progress on the Deaflympic stage underscores the country’s growing investment in inclusive sports.
“Kenya’s Deaf athletes are not only champions on the track and court but also role models of resilience, determination, and national pride,” he said. “Their journey is a story of inclusion, empowerment, and patriotism that continues to inspire millions.”
Team Kenya will be seeking to build on its success in Brazil and maintain its position among the world’s top performers when the Games begin in Tokyo later this week.
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