Kenya to host Africa East Zone Karate Championships

Nathan Wambua, left and Mark Moseti during a tournament at Technical University College on Saturday, February 13, 2016. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya has been nominated to host the Africa East Zone Karate Championships in May.

The five-day tournament will be held at Kasarani Stadium, from May 16-21.

The continental showpiece has attracted 14 countries. Some of the confirmed teams include Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and Madagascar.

Kenya Karate Federation President Enos Muguku said they are ready to host the continental showpiece, adding that they have begun preparations ahead of the tournament.

“We are ready to host the tournament, which is one of the biggest in the region. We will give our best to ensure it becomes successful,” Muguku told Standard Sports.

He said he was proud to have been given the opportunity to host the showpiece, which indicates Kenya’s ability and readiness to host global championships.

This comes after Kenya’s participation in the Africa Olympic Qualifiers in Cairo, Egypt last year and 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan, where the representatives never reached the medal brackets.

“Although we failed to reach the medal bracket at the Continental Olympic Qualifiers (COQ), the tournament gave us the required exposure and confidence to perform better in future international championships,” Muguku told Standard Sports after their arrival from Cairo last year.

And in readiness for the tournament, Kenya is expected to select teams that will take part in the showpiece, where junior and senior teams will be picked.

The selection trials will be held at Mt. Kenya University's Thika Main Campus on Friday to Sunday.

The national championships have attracted 32 clubs.