Members of the Kenya Disability Parliamentary Association (KEDIPA) have  expressed  concerns over the slow issuance of visas to deaf sports persons seeking to represent Kenya in the World Deaf Handball Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Speaking during a press briefing at Parliament Buildings, the Chairperson of the Association, Hon. Tim Wanyonyi said that the Deaf Sports Federation shared its concerns over the slow issuance of visas to its sports persons and officials who were meant to represent Kenya in the World Deaf Handball Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 1st July to 15th July 2023.

He further added that KEDIPA notes with unreserved concern that several talented deaf sports persons may miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime sporting event and indeed the pride of representing their nation.

The Members of the Association expressed their disappointment saying there is no reason to deny visas to those who have been practicing because of disability.

"No sports person or official has been issued with a visa yet the games are already underway. Already, the first game that Kenya was to play had been postponed to today, 6th July 2023. This is saddening and utterly discouraging to the deaf sports persons, the deaf community and indeed persons with disabilities in Kenya." Said Hon. Wanyonyi.

The Association requests The Royal Danish Embassy in Nairobi to fast-track issuance of visas to the sports persons.