Kenya’s amputee football scene is entering a defining chapter as both the men’s and women’s national teams kick off a month-long residential training camp at Parklands Sports Club in Nairobi. Set to begin on August 1 and run through September 2, the camp serves as the launchpad for their journey to Bujumbura, Burundi, where the CECAAF (Central and East-Central African Amputee Football Federation) tournament kicks off on September 6.

This tournament means more than medals—it’s a statement. For the men, it’s a shot at dominance, having participated in three past editions. For the women’s team, it's a historic debut. And according to Dismus Kuyiyi, the Kenya Amputee Football Federation's organising secretary, both squads are not just attending; they’re aiming to win it all.

A Vision Beyond Participation

Kuyiyi was bullish about the teams' chances: “Our goal for both teams is to win the titles. We believe we have the talent and mindset to do it.” That mindset has already been backed by practical support, including new training kits and tactical resources. The Federation is rallying every ounce of energy toward performance, not just presence.

Heading the charge are coaches Clement Otieno for the men and Sharon Nyaoke for the women—each entrusted with shaping a squad of 22 players into a final 15-man and 15-woman fighting force. They’ll be joined by 12 officials in total, ensuring that both the athletic and logistical sides of the campaign run seamlessly.

Women’s Team Makes Bold Debut

The entry of Kenya’s women’s amputee team into CECAAF is groundbreaking. It’s a declaration that disability sports in Kenya are not just growing—they’re evolving. This debut offers an opportunity for Kenya to stamp its authority in a region still building structures for inclusivity and representation in sports.

The CECAAF stage is packed with competitors from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, DR Congo, and invited guests Zimbabwe and Zambia. In such a crowded and competitive space, the debutant team must bring not just energy but strategy.

Government and Sponsors Step In

Kuyiyi was quick to acknowledge that success doesn’t come cheap. Sponsors like Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Safaricom, and Kenya Airways (KQ) have offered critical support. More notably, the government—via the Ministry of Sports—is expected to play a major role in logistical and financial facilitation.

“Support is vital, and we’re grateful. But this is also a call to other partners to come on board,” Kuyiyi said. The Federation hopes this campaign can demonstrate the untapped potential of amputee sports in Kenya, opening doors for broader support structures in future tournaments.

Draw, Decisions, and Departure

The CECAAF draw, scheduled for mid-August, will determine Kenya’s group-stage opponents. The teams will then have two more weeks to sharpen their tactics and lock in formations before flying out.

The plan is deliberate: build synergy, test discipline, and foster tactical maturity—all within the framework of intense training at Parklands Sports Club. If everything aligns, Kenya could return from Bujumbura not just with medals but with a new identity as a powerhouse in regional amputee football.