Kisumu to host national special needs schools sports championship

By Lawrence Ongaro

The Kenya Special Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSSA), has organized a five-day sports competition to be held in Kisumu County.

The association’s Secretary General, Merab Imai, said the competitions will kick off from April 7 to April 11 in Kisumu City.

According to Ms Imai, the event will involve students with physical impairments, hearing impairments, and visual impairments.

She said the competitions are unique and will bring together about 700 students drawn from eight regions across the country.

Some of the sports that will be featured include athletics, handball, wheelchair basketball (5×5), darts, and table tennis for Special Needs Education.

She added that the competitions are special because they will involve more than 48 referees, and residents of Kisumu will also have the opportunity to enjoy watching the unique games.

Last year, in 2025, the competitions were held in Mombasa County, where they were very exciting.

Showcasing talent and resilience

“I am confident that these competitions will be successful because preparations are already complete, and what remains is travelling and the start of the games,” said the secretary.

She noted that the competitions are unique because they show that students with physical challenges each have their own talents and deserve to use them appropriately.

A student celebrates their school’s trophy during the national games for students with physical disabilities held in Mombasa last year. Photo/Courtesy

“I am impressed by the resilience of these students because they do not show weakness due to their physical condition but instead strive to demonstrate their ability and identity,” she explained.

She also praised the coaches who guide the students in sports, noting that managing such learners requires full dedication.

She described the competitions as important for these students because they set a good example to students without physical disabilities that hard work and commitment are essential in life.

The secretary also expressed special gratitude to all teachers who will participate in the program, noting that it has been a long journey to reach this point.

“Teachers from all regions of these schools made efforts to work together with the students to ensure the overall success of the program,” she explained.

She added that students who perform well in sports also get opportunities to travel abroad to participate in various international competitions.