On May 29, 2022, Sylvia Kamau made history as the first female CEO of the Deaflympics Committee, appointed by Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed. This milestone marked the culmination of her illustrious career in sports administration.
Her journey in sports began at Menengai High School, where she played basketball as an escape from her daily routine. Little did she know that this hobby would blossom into a lifelong passion and successful career in sports.
After completing her studies at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Kamau joined the Barclays Eaglets club, where she continued to play basketball. However, her life took a tragic turn in 1999 when the team's van overturned, resulting in the loss of six lives, including the team captain and coach. Kamau sustained a knee injury, forcing her to take a two-year break from the sport she loved.
Undeterred, Kamau returned to the sport in 2001 and continued to play for the Storms team. She eventually transitioned to coaching, starting with the Strathmore University women's team. Under her leadership, the team moved from the provincial leagues to the nationals in her first season.
Kamau's success in coaching led to her appointment as the sports director of Strathmore University. She was exposed to other sports, including rugby, and eventually became the first female rugby union CEO in 2018. Her tenure was marked by her determination to improve the sport and her ability to navigate the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field.
As the CEO of the Deaflympics Committee, Kamau ensured that sign language interpreters were available to facilitate communication among athletes. The team's performance was impressive, with 24 medals, including five gold, seven silver, and 12 bronze.
Throughout her career, Kamau has been a trailblazer, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. Her dedication to sports and her ability to inspire others have made her a respected figure in the industry.
