Team Kenya’s Jackson Sila, Januaris Wambua and Alla Gitongo at Lenana Swiss/ CHARLENE MALWAFifty Kenyan karatekas will headline athletes from 11 countries at the Union of African Karate Federations Region East Karate Championship, set for May 28–31 at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
The four-day championship will bring together elite cadet, junior and senior competitors.
Kenya Karate Federation president Richard Binga the national team was finalised at the conclusion of a residential training camp on Saturday.
“The selection ended on Saturday after camp,” said Binga. “The objective after this competition is to identify athletes who will represent the country at the African Championships in Algeria and the Commonwealth Karate Championships in Scotland.”
The tournament, Binga noted, will play a major role in shaping Team Kenya for the African Karate Championships in Algeria in September and the Commonwealth Karate Championships in Scotland in November.
Kenya heads into the championship seeking to improve on last year’s second-place finish in Ethiopia, where the team collected 20 medals — 10 gold, nine silver and one bronze. The hosts grabbed 11 gold and 10 silver medals to win the championships
Team captain Francis Wamukui believes home advantage and the extended preparations could inspire Kenya to the top.
“We finished second in this event last year and we are fully motivated to claim top honours this time,” Wamukui said. “We believe the time spent in camp and the level of coaching we have received will help us succeed.”
“Competing at home is also a huge motivation. We are not going to allow anyone beat us in our backyard.”
Also in the squad is advocate Mercy Wambui, who expects the championship to amplify the growth of karate among women.
“The reality is that there are more women in camp than men, and we are not just there to make up the numbers — we are thriving,” Wambui said.
“These championships will show that clearly, and we urge Kenyans to come out and support Team Kenya.”
Before the championship, Nairobi will host referees’ and coaches’ courses, technical seminars and examinations aimed at improving officiating standards and strengthening karate development across Africa.
