- The move comes ahead of the upcoming Esports Olympic Games that is set to be held in Saudi Arabia this year.
- NOC-K Secretary General Francis Mutuku stated that the decision will help Kenyans achieve their dreams.
- IOC recognized Esports in July, 2024.
Esports stakeholders in Kenya have received a huge boost after the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) recognized the Kenya Electronic Sports Federation (KESF).
The move comes ahead of the first ever Olympic Esports Games that is scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia later this year.
This journey started on July 23, 2024 when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) embraced Esports.
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Speaking during the event that was held in Westlands, Nairobi, NOC-K Secretary General Francis Mutuku stated that the decision will help youths to fulfil their dreams.
“NOC-K welcomes Esports to the Olympic family in Kenya and commits to working together with the federation to place athletes at the centre, ensuring a strong showing at the Olympic Esports Games 2025 in Saudi Arabia.
The federation’s organization, robust leadership structure, and inclusion of young administrators align well with the dynamic nature of the sport.
The registration of 29 county associations and the sport given the popularity of video gaming among our youth, this provides a unique opportunity to channel their passion into healthy competition, especially with IOC’s assurance that the selected games will adhere to Olympic values,” he offered.
On his part, KESF president Ronny Lusigi thanked NOC-K for the acknowledgment, adding that it will empower the Esports fraternity in the country.
“The Olympic Esports Games is the best gift Esports could have asked for. This recognition significantly boosts the profile and legitimacy of our emerging sport.
We appreciate NOC-K for this recognition and believe we can collaboratively prepare Kenya for an excellent performance at the inaugural Olympic Esports Games.
He added that the body looks forward to taking part in the programs that NOC-K will organize in order to build the capacity of administrators and build the capacity of administrators,” ended Lusigi.
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