Turkana wheelchair athlete Timothy Ekeno has retained his title in the Northern Nomadic Disabled Persons Organization (NONDO) 20-kilometre wheelchair race for the seventh consecutive time.
Ekeno clocked 39 minutes and 50 seconds to secure victory in the competition held in Isiolo County, finishing ahead of his closest competitor, Joseph Lekumonto from Samburu County, who recorded a time of 55 minutes and 45 seconds.
Speaking after his victory, Ekeno described the achievement as a proud moment for Turkana, saying: “My victory is a win for Turkana.”
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The win further strengthens Ekeno's reputation as one of the most decorated athletes in NONDO wheelchair racing competitions in the region.
Ekeno emerged victorious in the 15th edition of the annual competition, earning a cash prize of KSh 85,000 and a trophy presented by the organisers. His achievement was celebrated by his team and county officials led by James Ekanyuko, the County Director of Social Protection.
The competition attracted athletes from several nomadic and pastoralist counties, including Wajir, Narok, Tana River, Kajiado and Samburu.
The annual desert wheelchair race is a flagship sporting and advocacy event organised by NONDO. It seeks to promote inclusion, visibility and participation of persons with disabilities by bringing together wheelchair and tricycle users from Kenya's nomadic and pastoralist communities.
Ekeno and the other athletes were accompanied by Social Protection Assistant Directors Amos Ariong and Joseph Ekeno, alongside Social Protection Officer Clarkson Lotitom.
Ekeno's latest victory highlights his continued success in the competition and brings recognition to Turkana's representation in disability sports.