The 5th edition of the Uhai Festival held on 24th March 2023, at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), Kakamega County was filled with pomp and color as Persons with Disability showcased their talents and skills in a bid to Celebrate Life.
Organised by Signs Media Kenya Limited in collaboration with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega County Government and EABL, the event attracted fifteen Institutions including Universities, Technical Institutions and Colleges in effort to raise the bar in driving inclusion and leaving no one behind.
The 2023 edition kicked off this year’s circuit, with Institutions bringing out their best students to participate in the various games including, sitting volleyball, deaf football, Handball, scrabble, darts, and table tennis.
The highlight of the event, had teams pair up from their respective institutions with the main aim of building morale and confidence, help build a connection with each other and understand each other more as Persons with Disabilities.
‘‘The importance of this event is to help Persons with Disability build and boost their morale, help them connect and relate with each other to promote self-esteem, promote spirit of championship and competitiveness.’’ Founding and Managing Director Signs Media Kenya Limited Luke Muleka said.
The teams were divided into three, Team yellow who walked away with the top prize of Ksh. 150,000, Team Blue who settled for second place with Ksh. 100,000 and Team Red who bagged the third price of Ksh. 50,000.
Chief Officer in charge of Youth and Sports Kakamega County, Abucheri Joseph acknowledged the steps made so far in bridging inclusion gap.
‘The involvement of PWDs in activities especially sports enables them feel appreciated as part of the society, makes them feel equal and it is actually one of Governor Fernandes Baraza’s pillar for social integration and social growth in the County.’’ He said.
The event was also characterized by several social activities including Fashion shows, dancing competitions and Drama performances after which Performance certificates were awarded.
Invitees and participants were later on treated to an after-party at KeiKei Home stay, with the Legendary Emmanual Musindi entertaining the masses.
The annual festival will be held quarterly in different Counties, with the aim of bridging the Inclusion gap by creating a platform to promote and nurture the talents of Persons with Disabilities.
