While Kenya has been a regular in Paralympic Games, the country still lacks special programmes to nurture sportsmen and sportswomen in different disciplines to compete at the highest level in the Africa and in the world.

Now, special schools in Busia and Bungoma are appeal to the government through the ministries of education and sports to increase funding for second term school-games for special schools. The appeal is intended to enable learners with mental and physical disabilities to develop their talents and prepare them for international competitions.

They say such platforms are used to identify talent to nurture for future international competitions. Given the right environment and support, these young talents have great potential to represent Kenya at the Paralympics, further revealing the rich diversity of the country and untapped talent from special schools.

Speaking at St Brigit Akoreet Special School for the Deaf in Busia County Boaz Makokha, a teacher from Nalondo CBM who is also a para-volley coach, challenged the government not to overlook the talent at special schools as learners in such schools are never supported to participate in East African sports like their able-bodied counterparts.

“Our learners have equal if not greater potential. They only require the right support so that they can showcase their talent internationally. It is disheartening to see them left out at the national level every year while others o on to represent the country internationally,” Makokha said.

Learners from Nalondo and St Brigit Akoreet appealed to President William Ruto to give them school buses to support their talent development beyond Kenya. The students believe that having reliable transport would ease their movement to training and competition venues, which is crucial for nurturing and exposing their talents beyond Kenya’s borders.

“Without school buses, it becomes very difficult for us to attend competitions or even train consistently. We ask the President to hear our cry and help us achieve our dreams,” said James Kambo, a student at St Brigit Akoreet Special School.

The urgent call for additional assistance from Busia and Bungoma special schools comes at a time when the country is preparing for the second term national school games.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Absalom Namwalo and Owen Mutai

Para-volley preparation between Nalondo and St. Brigits Akoret special schools ahead of term 2 ball games