Deaf Football Team Wins East Africa Cup, Advocates for Inclusive Sports Policy

Kenya’s National Deaf Football Team, the *Silent Warriors*, claimed the inaugural East Africa Deaf Football Cup in Kampala on March 22, 2025, beating Rwanda 3–1 in the final. Using adapted rules (e.g., flag-based referee signals, vibration vests for offside alerts), the team showcased technical flair and tactical cohesion. Striker David Omondi scored 7 goals in the tournament, earning MVP honors. Their win pressured the Ministry of Sports to fast-track the *Persons with Disabilities in Sports Act*, tabled in Parliament in September 2025. The Kenya Deaf Sports Federation launched a talent ID drive in special schools, supported by KSh 18 million from NCIC. We hear the game differently—but we feel victory the same, said captain Grace Akinyi. CAF pledged to include deaf categories in future regional events.