Nairobi, Kenya – Kenyan Deaf golf sensation Isaac Makokha is on a mission to make history again. After clinching a bronze medal at the 2022 Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, the 33-year-old Vet Lab Sports Club player has his sights set firmly on gold at the upcoming 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan (November 15–26, 2025).
With just days to go before the Games, Makokha says he’s in top form and ready to take on the world. “I have practiced well. My body feels great, and I’m optimistic I’ll convert that bronze from Brazil into gold in Tokyo,” he said after a training session at Vet Lab Sports Club.
Makokha, a father of one, made history as Kenya’s first Deaf golfer to win a medal at the Deaflympics — beating Germany’s Guldan Nico to bronze in Brazil. He fell short of gold against Germany’s John Allen, who remains his biggest rival.
“Allen is a strong opponent, but I’m ready to face him head-on. This time, I can knock him out,” Makokha added with confidence.
To qualify for Tokyo, Makokha beat 15 other Deaf golfers in local stroke play and match play events. His recent victory at the 2025 NCBA Railway Invitational Golf Tournament, where he outplayed several hearing golfers — including defending champion Michael Karanga — has further boosted his confidence. Coach David Kihara believes Makokha’s preparation and experience put him in a strong position to bring home another medal: “Isaac has trained well and competed in tough tournaments. This time, he’s ready for something bigger than bronze.”
Makokha will be joined by Adan Wario, Gilbert Alikula, and teenage prodigy Jacinta Njeri — Kenya’s first female Deaf golfer — as part of Team Kenya Deaf’s golf delegation.
As he heads to Tokyo, Makokha’s story continues to inspire not just Deaf athletes, but all Kenyans — a story of perseverance, passion, and pride.
“Golf gave me a voice when the world was silent,” he reflects. “Now, I want to help other Deaf golfers believe they can achieve the same.”
