Presidential Aspirations and a National First

NAIROBI – Kenyan golf ace Isaac Makokha is on a mission to secure a historic gold medal at the 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan, scheduled to run from Wednesday, November 15, to Tuesday, November 26, 2025, EAT. The 33-year-old Vet Lab Sports Club player, who etched his name in history by winning Kenya's first-ever Deaflympics golf medal—a bronze—at the 2022 Games in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, has his sights firmly set on the top of the podium.

Makokha's journey to Tokyo has been fueled by a series of impressive performances, including stunning victories over able-bodied golfers in local tournaments. In September 2025, he clinched the NCBA Railway Invitational title, defeating the reigning champion Michael Karanga, a victory that has significantly boosted his confidence. “I have practised well. I feel my body is in shape, I'm optimistic I will convert that bronze from Brazil into gold when I head to Tokyo,” Makokha stated after a training session at Vet Lab, as reported on November 5, 2025.

The German Rivalry and a Strengthened Resolve

Standing between Makokha and the gold medal is his formidable rival, John Allen of Germany, a two-time Deaflympics gold medalist who defeated Makokha in the semi-finals of the 2022 Games. Allen is a seasoned competitor with experience on the professional European Challenge Tour. However, Makokha believes the lessons learned from their previous encounter and his intensified training have prepared him for the challenge. “Allen is a strong opponent but I'm ready to face him head-on. I can manage to knock him out this time, because my body is on fire,” he asserted. While one local report on November 5, 2025, cited Makokha as the world number three in deaf golf, official rankings from the World Deaf Golf Federation (WDGF) were not available to independently verify this standing. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.

A Team Forged in Determination

Makokha will lead a four-member Kenyan golf contingent, including seasoned players Adan Wario and Gilbert Alikula, who both represented Kenya at the 2022 Games in Brazil. Wario, 41, and Alikula, 38, both former caddies at Muthaiga Golf Club, bring valuable experience to the team. The team is rounded out by 19-year-old debutant Jacinta Njeri, a Form Two student at Ngala Secondary School for the Deaf in Nakuru. Njeri, who only started playing golf in 2022, is set to make history as Kenya's first female deaf golfer to compete at the Deaflympics. “Being the first time to be part of the Kenya Deaf team to the Deaflympics and amongst three men, I am very proud of myself. My target is to play a good round of golf and get a gold medal,” Njeri stated in late October 2025.

Overcoming Systemic Hurdles

The team's path to Tokyo has not been without significant challenges, reflecting broader issues within Kenyan sports administration. The Kenya Sports Federation of the Deaf (KSFD) recently faced suspension from the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) over an Sh18 million debt, which threatened Kenya's participation entirely. According to reports from April and November 2025, the Kenyan government intervened to clear the debt, allowing the team to be registered just before the deadline.

However, issues persist. In October 2025, the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare questioned Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya over the country's preparedness, citing concerns about funding, transparency in team selection, and accountability. Allegations of nepotism and mismanagement within the KSFD have also surfaced, with Makokha himself reportedly writing to the CS to complain about the selection process. Furthermore, athletes continue to grapple with a lack of adequate equipment, a challenge Makokha has repeatedly highlighted. Despite these hurdles, team coach David Kihara remains optimistic about the team's prospects. “He (Makokha) has trained very well, competed in several tough tournaments and I think this time around he is ready to bring us something bigger than the bronze medal,” Kihara noted on November 5, 2025.

The Global Stage for Deaf Athletes

The Deaflympics, first held in Paris in 1924, are the longest-running multi-sport event after the Olympic Games and are sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Athletes must have a hearing loss of at least 55 decibels in their “better ear” to compete. The events are distinguished by the absence of auditory cues, with visual signals used to guide the athletes. The Tokyo 2025 Games hold special significance as they mark the 100th anniversary of the event. For Makokha and his team, a victory in Tokyo would not only be a personal triumph but a powerful statement of resilience and excellence for Kenyan deaf sports on the world stage.