Garissa Takes Third Place during 12 Desert Wheel Race Edition in Isiolo
Garissa County Shines with Third-Place Finish at Desert Wheel Race 2023
Isiolo – Garissa County made a mark at the annual Desert Wheel Race competition held in Isiolo, securing a commendable third-place finish in a thrilling event that blended desert wheel racing with high fashion.
The competition marked the 12th Edition of the Desert Wheel Race celebrated the beauty and diversity of persons with disabilities especially women with disabilities.
Samburu County’s Lydia Jordano won the women’s race with Isiolo County securing second Runner up during the competition held between 2nd and 4th November, 2023.
Promoting Climate Justice: Empowering Marginalized Communities in Climate Change Mitigation Efforts was the theme of this year’s wheel racing competition organized by the Northern Nomadic Disability Organization.
The event was aimed at empowering Persons with Disabilities to champion their rights. The function also served as a platform to celebrate sportsmanship and resilience.
The Garissa team were the led by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Gender, Youth, and Sports, Madam Hawa Abdi Sahal, who inspired and guided the local participants throughout the competition.
Gender Committee Members from the Garissa County Assembly, including Fatuma Hakar, Halima Hussein, and MCA Abdiweli Aden were also present to cheer on the Garissa team.
Despite the strides made in increased advocacy for the rights of women in Kenya, women with disabilities have remained a marginalized group with their rights left out of the conversation most of the times.
As parts of efforts to amplify the voices of this group Northern Nomadic Disability Organization. (NONDO) in 2017 introduced a beauty contest called The Desert Fashion Gala. Their goal was to create awareness, visibility and highlight the challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities, the beauty contest allows Women with disabilities compete amongst themselves.
The winners and other participants of this component have remained integral part of our advocacy work with success stories.