New leadership behind rise of para sports in Kenya, Stanley Mutuma claims

The National Paralympic Committee Secretary General Stanley Mutuma says the new leadership is helping transform para sports in the country.

This is after the association, now under the leadership of President Ronald Milare, saw Kenya collect a total of 26 medals—seven gold, nine silver, and 10 bronze in April at the Marrakech 2025 Grand Prix in Morocco.

“Like many other sports federations, Paralympics faced governance challenges, but there’s been a tremendous shift. The changes we are implementing are beginning to reflect both internally and on the track,” Mutuma said.

For years, para athletes operated within a system marked by erratic preparations, minimal accountability, and weak support frameworks. The absence of structured trials and meaningful stakeholder engagement significantly impacted performance. Mutuma emphasized that even basic reforms such as formal meetings, documented minutes, and consistent communication, can dramatically improve athlete outcomes.

Kenya once stood tall on the Paralympic stage, with memorable performances in Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016. Stars like Samuel Muchai and Wilson Bii brought home medals and pride. But after those golden years, the failure to scout and nurture upcoming talent saw the team falter. At the Tokyo 2020 Games, Kenya managed only a single bronze medal, courtesy of Nancy Chelangat. Paris 2024 offered a glimmer of hope with Samson Ojuka clinching a surprise silver in the men’s T37 long jump.

While the medal count remains modest, the underlying issue, as Mutuma notes, wasn’t a shortage of talent—but rather an absence of institutional support. That tide, he believes, began to turn after Milare’s administration took office on May 26, 2023. Since then, the KNPC has prioritized professionalism, installed clearer governance structures, and enhanced collaboration with stakeholders.

“The board led by President Milare has shown exceptional commitment. Transparent selection processes, strategic planning, and a strong focus on athlete welfare are now the backbone of our operations,” Mutuma said.

With these reforms in motion, Kenya is now setting its sights firmly on the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. The goal is not just to return to the podium, but to do so through a system built on integrity, consistency, and long-term athlete development.

For Kenya’s para athletes, the road to LA 2028 may finally offer not just hope, but a fair shot at glory.