Douglas Sidialo

My name is Douglas Isaac Sidialo! August , 7, 1998 marked the turning point in my life journey when I lost sight as a result of the USA Embassy terrorist bombing in Nairobi, KENYA. However, I’ve picked up the pieces and moving on with my life and serve as an inspiration to many around the World.

I am an avid World blind cyclist, mountain climber and motivation speaker. I am believed to be the first blind African to summate to the top of mount Kilimanjaro-Uhuru Peak: 5,895 Meters above sea level.

Recently, cycled on a tandem bike across 10 African countries, Tour Dafrique, (Cairo to Cape town) covering 12,000 kilometres in 95 days, becoming the first blind in the world and first African to achieve the feat.

I am also the President Kenya National Paralympic Committee; President Kenya Blind Sports Association; Secretary General International Blind Sports Federation in Africa and United Nations Habitat Goodwill Ambassador for Safer Cities.

I am involved in philanthropic work such as educating children of bomb blast victims and also aim to inspire children from special needs institutions to engage in sporting activities such as athletics, mountaineering and cycling. In September, 2006, my Kenya Paralympic team participated in IPC World Athletic Championship in Assen, Netherlands, bringing home 4 Gold, 3 Silver and 3 Bronze Medals. In the 2007 All African Games in Algeria Kenya Paralympic team bagged home 5 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze medals in athletics and our participation in the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games in China is very much guaranteed. Through the Kenya Government Award Scheme , my athletes with a disability after the African Games will have received cash award to the tune of almost US$ 100,000. Some of the athletes that have done Kenya proud are blind and include Mr. Henry Wanyoike, Paralympiad Ambassador and world record holder in 5,000 meters and 10,000 metres. Mr. Francis Thuo, Kenya Sportsman of the year and IPC 2006, 5,000 meters and 10,000 metres world champion.