Wajir hosts North Eastern region deaf tournament as Wajir deaf community claims historic victory

A landmark moment in the push for inclusivity unfolded in Wajir Town as the first-ever North Eastern Region Deaf Tournament brought together athletes, leaders, and community supporters for a day defined by passion, resilience, and sporting excellence.

The Wajir Deaf Community emerged victorious after securing a narrow 1–0 win against the Dadaab Community in a tense and thrilling final, marking a historic achievement for the region’s Deaf athletes.

The groundbreaking event drew strong support from county leadership and local institutions. What began as a small idea has now blossomed into one of the region's most impactful sporting events, attracting teams from Wajir, Garissa and Dadaab municipalities.

Born out of a vision to promote integration and provide meaningful engagement for young people with disabilities, the tournament doubles as a tool for social transformation, keeping youth away from drug abuse, idleness, and extremist recruitment.

The tournament not only highlighted athletic talent but also amplified calls for greater recognition and support for the Deaf community across the region.

Organisers and leaders agreed that such events are essential in challenging stereotypes and fostering equal participation in sports and other social spaces.

The victory by the Wajir Deaf Community has been celebrated widely, with many viewing it as a turning point in the visibility and empowerment of persons with disabilities in the North Eastern Region.

The match was presided over by Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed Abdi, who praised the initiative for creating opportunities for marginalised groups. Abdi hailed the tournament as a groundbreaking milestone for disability sports and youth safety in the region.

"This tournament has grown into an important platform for motivating persons living with disabilities," he said. "It not only promotes sporting excellence but also shields young people from drugs, crime and extremist influences. This is how community security is strengthened," he said.

He was joined by CEC for Water Services Issa Gorare, Siyad Foundation Project Manager Adan Noor, Municipality Manager Omar Shano, PWDS Northern Kenya Chairman Hafid Maalim, FKF Wajir Branch Chairman Abdinasir Mohamed, and Equity Bank Wajir Manager Abdiqani Omar, among others.

A statement from Abdalla Hassan Siyad, founder of the Siyad Foundation — the organisation behind the tournament — emphasised the importance of promoting inclusivity and expanding platforms for the Deaf community.

“At Siyad Foundation, we firmly believe in a world that embraces inclusivity. I remain committed to championing the rights and opportunities of the Deaf community — a community that communicates through sign language with strength and dignity. We continue to affirm that disability is not inability; our brothers and sisters are simply abled differently, and many continue to excel far beyond societal expectations,” Siyad said.

“Our Deaf Community is in need of recognition,” Siyad added, calling on stakeholders to invest more in inclusive programs.

The event concluded with applause and celebrations from players, organisers, and supporters, all united in the belief that this tournament marks the beginning of a new chapter for Deaf sports in northern Kenya.