TURBULENCES WHICH SHORT STATURE VICTIMS GO THROUGH IN KENYA

Dwarfism, is a condition that is defined by science as short stature that results from a genetic or medical conditions.

There being over 400 types of dwarfism referred to as in a common term skeletal dysplasia, the most common type of dwarfism is known as Achondroplasia which is genetic, where an adult ranges 4 feets 10 inches(147 cm) which is far much shorter than an average normal adult, having short arms and legs, with particularly short upper arms and upper legs.

As of October 2021, The Kenya national bureau of statistics indicate that about 3000 Kenyans are affected by the condition Which is termed as a disability.

It is natural that we are not equal in terms of physique, since our creator created us in a unique way. Many people never reflect the same thoughts and often make fun of other people’s physical appearances.

Many people who are affected by dwarfism I n Kenya face sharp stigma from the rest of the society since people tend to take the physical appearance of dwarfs as funny and entertaining rather than taking them as one of their own and seize to discriminate them.

“I was tired of people calling me derogatory names. Having short stature means even children will see you and mock you. It is a very bad feeling.” Said Hussein, a dwarf who stated in an interview conducted by the standard media.

Apart from Hussein, a large population of dwarfs in Kenya face a lot of challenges  making  their social life to be less fruitful compared to a normal Kenyan citizen. Some of these challenges are; being discriminated in terms of employment, where many say that they are reached the peak of their education yet they have never had the privilege to have a job since the employers or the interviewing panel tend to underestimate then on their capabilities thus rejecting them.

“I do apply and appear in the interview room and give out my documents ,but at the end they and up telling me that they will send me a feedback and I later find no response” said Jane Waithera who tried applying for jobs without success.

Dwarfs in Kenya are clearly denied the rights that they are clearly guaranteed by the constitution which are; Right to treatment with dignity and respect

Right to reasonable access to all places and public transport since most of the people hinder them by calling them babies.

Their conditions have also denied them golden chances to expose their talents as it happened back in 2013 where despite even qualifying in the paralympic category, they were unable to participate in a sports tournament in the US due to lack of funds to sponsor their trip.

Despite that, some have the hopes and determination and have a vision of light at the end of the tunnel in showcasing their talents and shine one day, as it is displayed by Lion star, a dwarf people football team, who are hoping to represent Kenya in the world cup for people with disabilities someday, and members are happy there.”Joining this team makes me feel better because I am with people who understand me without judging” said Perminus one of the players.

Most of them have identified that not loving and accepting their condition is the key reason to their problems. ”let’s love ourselves and let’s know that God created us in a unique way” insisted Phillip , one of the dwarf society members.