Happy New Year from the Deaf Football Federation of Kenya

As we usher in a new year, the Deaf Football Federation of Kenya (DFFK) reflects on a season that tested our resolve, strengthened our unity, and reaffirmed our belief in the power of Deaf football in Kenya.

The past year was one of ambition, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment from our athletes, technical teams, officials, and supporters. It was a year that reminded us that progress is not always linear—but persistence is everything.

A Historic Qualification, A Painful Setback

In 2024, Kenya’s Deaf Men’s National Football Team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the Deaflympics in Tokyo. This qualification was a powerful statement: Deaf football in Kenya is competitive, disciplined, and deserving of a place on the global stage.

A full squad had been assembled. Training camps were underway. Dreams were alive.

However, due to limited government funding, football was unfortunately dropped from Kenya’s Deaflympics participation—based on performance assessments from the previous Deaflympics. This decision was deeply disappointing to our players and the wider Deaf sports community, especially given the progress made and the new generation of talent ready to represent the nation with pride.

While we found this outcome unfair, we choose not to be defined by it.

 

Choosing Strength Over Silence

Instead of retreating, we regrouped.

Our male and female teams have continued training, refining skills, building discipline, and preparing for future competitions. Every training session is an act of belief. Every match played locally is a reminder that Deaf football in Kenya is alive, determined, and growing.

We remain committed to:

  • Developing Deaf football talent nationwide

  • Creating competitive opportunities for both men and women

  • Advocating for equal recognition and fair support for Deaf athletes

  • Preparing our teams for future regional and international tournaments

Celebrating Our Community

This year also reminded us that DFFK is more than football—it is a community.
A community of players who train without guaranteed funding.
Coaches who volunteer their time.
Officials who push systems forward despite limitations.
And supporters who believe that Deaf athletes deserve to be seen, heard, and respected.

Looking Ahead with Purpose

As we step into the new year, our goals are clear:

  • To strengthen partnerships and attract sustainable support

  • To give our female and male teams the platforms they deserve

  • To ensure Kenya never assembles a national team again only to be stopped at the final hurdle

The journey continues—and we are not walking it alone.

A Call to Believe

To our athletes: your discipline inspires us.
To our partners and stakeholders: your support changes lives.
To the Deaf community and football lovers across Kenya: this story belongs to all of us.

This is not the end of a chapter—it is the foundation of the next one.

Happy New Year from the Deaf Football Federation of Kenya.
Together, we train. Together, we rise. Together, we will return to the world stage.