Nairobi, Kenya – Mount Kenya University (MKU) has emerged as a leading contender in university sports, clinching an impressive number of medals at the recent Kenya Universities Sports Federation (KUSF) games held at the University of Nairobi. The institution stood out among 15 other universities, securing 62 medals in a range of sporting events from December 16-22.
According to Kenya News Agency, Strathmore University followed as a close competitor with 30 medals, while the University of Nairobi secured the third position, followed by Maseno and Masinde Muliro Universities. MKU’s Sports and Creative Arts Coordinator, Mr. William Luta, described the university’s success as a significant achievement, attributing it to consistent training, teamwork, and facing strong competition.
The KUSF games featured a variety of sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, hockey, netball, athletics, swimming, karate, softball, frisbee, taekwondo, chess, badminton, scrabble, darts, table tennis, tennis, rugby 7s, basketball 3×3, swimming, floorball, baseball five, woodball, roll ball, and a demonstration sport (kabaddi).
In a related event, MKU’s Vice-Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi, speaking at a graduation ceremony in Thika town on December 8, highlighted the university’s commitment to sports. He mentioned the strengthening of the Staff Fitness Centre and various wellness initiatives, emphasizing the inclusion of students with disabilities in co-curricular activities. Prof Jaganyi noted that 11 visually impaired students from MKU participated in a charity event climbing Mt. Longonot, organized by the Kenya Society for the Blind.
Furthermore, University Founder Prof Simon Gicharu recently addressed the potential of electronic sports (e-sports) in higher education. Speaking at the launch of e-sports at Mt Kigali University’s Rwanda branch, Prof Gicharu encouraged students to embrace e-sports for skill enhancement and strategic thinking. He identified e-sports as a field ripe with opportunities in game development, event management, and broadcasting.
The achievements of Mount Kenya University in the KUSF games and its focus on inclusive and diverse sports opportunities position it as a key player in promoting athletics and wellness in higher education.