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Those who grew up in the 90s probably know famous actor Likobe, who featured in the popular television series ‘Vitimbi’.
His humour, charisma, and acting prowess made him a household name despite his short stature. Likobe is one of Kenya’s most recognisable personalities living with dwarfism.
Dwarfism is an umbrella term for medical conditions that result in short stature (typically adult height under 4 ft 10 in/147 cm), most commonly caused by achondroplasia, a genetic condition that affects bone growth.
Globally, achondroplasia is estimated to occur in roughly 1 in 25,000–30,000 people, or about 4.6 per 100,000 births.
A photo of actors Mwala and Likobe
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Myths and misconceptions
In African societies, including Kenya, dwarfism has often been surrounded by myths and stereotypes. Some of the most common include:
Association with bad luck or witchcraft: In some communities, dwarfism was believed to be a curse or a sign of misfortune.
Assumption of intellectual disability: Many wrongly assume that people with dwarfism have limited intelligence, yet their cognitive abilities are unaffected.
Perception of limited capability: Society often underestimates the ability of people with dwarfism to succeed in education, work, and family life.
They are only fit for entertainment or comedy. Due to their unique physical appearance, people with dwarfism are often pigeonholed into roles of clowns or jesters. This ignores their diverse talents and qualifications, and sadly, leads to exploitation in the entertainment industry.
People with dwarfism are to be treated like children. Adults with dwarfism frequently face the indignity of being spoken to like children, patted on the head, or having their opinions disregarded.
Everyday challenges faced by people living with dwafirsm
For many Kenyans with dwarfism, daily life presents unique challenges. Accessibility is a major issue: public transport vehicles, schools, workplaces, and public buildings are rarely designed with people of short stature in mind.
Something as simple as using public washrooms, reaching counters, or boarding a matatu can be an exhausting task.
In schools, children with dwarfism are more likely to face bullying and teasing, which affects their confidence and educational outcomes.
An AI-generated image of a person living with dwarfism
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Later in life, they encounter barriers in employment, with some employers reluctant to hire them due to entrenched stereotypes about their abilities.
Healthcare is another hurdle. Specialised treatment, surgery, or assistive devices such as customised wheelchairs are expensive and often unavailable in rural areas.
For women with dwarfism, pregnancy carries additional health risks, requiring specialised medical attention.
Support organisations and government recognition
Several organisations in Kenya are working tirelessly to support and empower people with dwarfism. The Short Stature Society of Kenya (SSSK) is a key non-profit organisation that provides support and information to short-statured individuals.
It aims to build a community where they can share their experiences, boost their self-esteem, and advocate for their rights.
The SSSK, for instance, works to promote talent and skill development, pushing back against the stereotype that people with dwarfism are only fit for comedy or entertainment.
An AI-generated image of people living with dwafirsm
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The Kenyan government, through the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), officially recognises people with dwarfism as a category of disability.
The Persons with Disabilities Act of 2003 provides a legal framework for protecting and promoting the rights of all persons with disabilities, including those with dwarfism.
This recognition entitles them to certain benefits, such as tax breaks, access to a disabilities fund, and support for assistive devices and services.
While the legal framework exists, challenges remain in its full implementation and in raising public awareness to ensure that these rights are not just on paper, but a reality for people with dwarfism across the country.
Beyond the challenges, the lives of people with dwarfism in Kenya are rich with resilience and ambition. Many are advocates for change, fighting for social and economic inclusion.
Popular Kenyan personalities vocal about dwarfism
Some personalities have broken barriers and spoken out about the realities of dwarfism.
Likobe: A legendary actor from the 90s sitcom Vitimbi, Likobe became a household name, proving that talent is not measured by height. His success challenged perceptions at that time.
Kiran Shah – Born in Nairobi, Shah is an internationally acclaimed actor and stunt performer whose career spans The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and many more films.
Katuosis – A Kenyan based in the United States, he has become vocal on social media about embracing dwarfism, tackling stereotypes with humour and resilience.
U.S.-based truck driver Katuosis
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Stephen Hosea – Recognised in the health sector, Hosea has been featured in Kenyan media as a professional who broke barriers despite disability stigma.
The TikTok hawker – The TikToker has gained fame for blending entrepreneurial hustle with humour and self-awareness, using the platform to challenge public perceptions.
Joakim Mwangi – Katuosis as he is popularly known, made headlines for pursuing truck driving in the United States, showing that ambitions extend far beyond societal expectations.