- Hundreds of learners with special needs from Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, and Vihiga counties gathered at St. Peter’s Mumias Boys High School for the Western Region Special Needs Education Games, which will run until July 29.
- Association Chair Walter Kwanusu outlined Ministry‑guided selection quotas for learners with physical, hearing, and visual impairments, noting budget constraints but expressing confidence in Western Region’s ability to excel at the upcoming national championships in Thika.
- Education leaders praised the Ministry’s support for inclusivity
St. Peter’s Mumias Boys High School was transformed into a hub of excitement on Monday as hundreds of learners with special needs from across Western Kenya gathered for the official opening of the Western Region Special Needs Education (SNE) Games and Sports Championships. The event marked the beginning of a week‑long contest that will determine the region’s representatives to the national championships scheduled for Thika.
The colourful ceremony brought together teachers, coaches, education stakeholders, Ministry of Education officials, and differently‑abled learners from Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, and Vihiga counties. The atmosphere was one of celebration, resilience, and inclusion, with participants united by the spirit of sport.
The championships feature a wide range of disciplines including football, volleyball, basketball, netball, chess, and other adapted sporting events. Competition is expected to run until July 29, with winners earning the chance to represent Western Region at the national stage.
Western Region Special Needs Sports Association Chairperson Walter Kwanusu praised the Ministry of Education for supporting the organisation of the games and facilitating travel for participating schools. He explained that the selection process will follow Ministry guidelines to ensure balanced representation across categories of disability. “We are expected to select 43 learners with physical impairment, 30 with hearing impairment, and 21 with visual impairment. Because of these numbers and the available disciplines, some learners are forced to compete in several events, sometimes up to five disciplines, which becomes physically demanding,” he said.
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Despite receiving only half of the proposed budget, Kwanusu expressed confidence that Western Region would once again produce a strong team. “We shall utilize the available resources prudently. Western Region has consistently produced outstanding athletes, and we are confident the team selected here will perform exceptionally well in Thika,” he added.
The event also provided a platform for education stakeholders to raise issues affecting teachers. Kakamega County Junior Secondary Schools Secretary Kennedy Weaver applauded the Ministry’s investment in learners with special needs, describing the games as vital for nurturing talent and promoting inclusivity. He, however, challenged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to address career stagnation among Junior Secondary School teachers, urging for a structured progression system that allows teachers to rise through ranks based on merit and experience.
Games Kick Off with Thrilling Football Action
As speeches concluded, the championships roared into action with a thrilling boys’ football clash between Ematundu Special School from Kakamega County and St. Bridget Special School Akoreet from Busia County. The match entertained guests and showcased the remarkable talent, determination, and competitive spirit of learners with special needs.
Over the next three days, the games are expected to crown regional champions and produce a team that will proudly carry Western Region’s hopes at the upcoming Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association National Championships in Thika.
By Victor Ngecho
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