Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi who is also the patron of the team, on Wednesday hosted the Berlin Special Olympics World Games winners at their official residence in Karen, Nairobi, where he awarded them Ksh.10.2 million for their performance.

The team won 25 medals (15 Gold Medals, 4 Silver Medals and 6 Bronze) in the games held in Berlin, Germany, last week.

The DP said the President William Ruto administration will ensure everybody who participates in sports is recognized and appreciated.

"l will talk to the Cabinet Secretary for Sports and the Principal Secretary to create a significant portion of the budget for the special persons to facilitate and support them to excel and market the Brand Kenya," the DP said. 

"We will discuss with the Ministry on how to support the Special team. We also ask the media to highlight and publicize the victory of the Berlin Special Olympics World Games winners. They are only abled differently and have other capacities. Disability is not inability," he said.

In the cash rewards, those who won Gold medals each received Ksh.750,000, while the Silver medalists got Ksh.500,000 each; Bronze medalists received Ksh.300,000 each. 

The Deputy President said the government will continue facilitating structural reforms for people living with disabilities to exploit their full potential.

He observed that the ability of the team to scoop dozens of medals was not a mean feat.

"You did not break the ceiling; you proved that with sheer determination, there is no ceiling in the first place. President William Ruto and I are proud of you! Kenya is proud of you," the DP said.

Noting that there were various barriers in law perpetuating retrogressive perceptions about people living with disabilities, Gachagua said the Executive will work with Members of National Assembly to ensure such offending and repugnant sections of the law are aligned to today’s reality.

"The society has set unfortunate standards that those living with intellectual impairment are harshly judged and condemned as a socio-economic burden to the family and society,” he said.