Para badminton athlete Benson Nduva in action in a past competition/ HANDOUT
Newly formed Ability Sports Kenya will mark a historic milestone as it debuts at the World Ability Sports Beach Games set for October 18–25 in Mersin, Turkey.
The debut highlights Kenya’s growing commitment to inclusivity in sports, with Ability Sports Kenya positioning itself to nurture and empower athletes with disabilities through structured competition, international exposure and pathways for future Paralympic participation.
Federation president Agnes Oluoch, speaking on Friday morning in Nairobi, expressed joy and pride over the breakthrough, saying the debut symbolises a new dawn for Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in competitive sport.
“It has always been my dream to promote sports among Persons with Disabilities, and for a start, Kenya is sending Para Badminton and Para Powerlifting national teams to Turkey,” said Oluoch.
She explained that Ability Sports Kenya, as an umbrella body, has worked with affiliate federations to facilitate the selection of athletes across the two disciplines, adding that the move demonstrates Kenya’s readiness to compete at the global stage.
“Ability Sports Kenya facilitated the affiliate federations to select a team of 12 for Para Badminton and seven for Para Powerlifting to represent us in Turkey,” she said.
“We are just starting, and this event will be historic—but again, the world must know we are not tourists in Turkey. We are going for gold medals.”
The Para Badminton team will be managed by Alfred Simiyu and coached by John Mburu, who has selected and trained Ashiley Inyele, Benson Mutiso, Nicholas Keiyo, Japheth Kakai, Caleb Omolo, Petronila Muhani, Bonface Were, Mary Nduku, Newton Gatobu, Patrick Mwema, Martin Gikonyo and Elizabeth Nabwire.
In Para Powerlifting, loader Justin Onyonka will guide Adala Collins, Sonia Tendai, Joash Otieno, Eugene Batu, Margaret Wamaitha, Merceline Kavumbi and Lekaja Muraya.
The Turkey-bound contingent will depart in two batches on Saturday and Sunday morning ahead of the global showpiece that will mark Kenya’s first-ever appearance at the World Ability Sports Beach Games.
