Kenya Esports Federation joins Olympic family with NOC-K recognition

NOC-K Secretary-General Francis Mutuku (right) and Ronny Lusigi, Kenya Esports Federation President. [Courtesy]

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) has officially recognized the Kenya Electronic Sports Federation (KESF), a historic step that positions Esports as a vital part of Kenya's Olympic movement.

The recognition, announced at a meeting held at NOC-K's Westlands offices in Nairobi, comes at a pivotal moment for Esports globally, coinciding with its inclusion in the Olympic family by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Speaking during the event, NOC-K Secretary-General Francis Mutuku said, "NOC-K welcomes Esports to the Olympic Family in Kenya and commits to working together with the federation to place athletes at the center, ensuring a strong showing at the Olympic Esports Games 2025 in Saudi Arabia."

This statement underscores the committee's intention to align with the dynamic and youth-focused nature of Esports while fostering Kenya's preparation for the highly anticipated inaugural Olympic Esports Games.

Kenya Electronic Sports Federation President, Ronny Lusigi, expressed his appreciation for the milestone. "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. Additionally, we look forward to participating in other NOC-K programs that focus on athlete empowerment and capacity building for administrators," he said.

The Federation has demonstrated its commitment to developing Esports through its structured approach, including registering 29 county associations and engaging in consistent activities over recent years. This groundwork has not only highlighted the potential of Esports in Kenya but also set the stage for its integration into the Olympic Movement.

Tommy Sithole, Vice President of the Global Esports Federation (GEF) and President of the Africa Esports Development Federation, welcomed the development, saying, "We at the Global Esports Federation are excited for the development of Esports in Kenya with the coming together of the Esports Kenya Federation and NOC-K. An early start to the inaugural Olympic Esports Games is a commendable move that highlights being future-ready."

The journey of Esports into the Olympic framework has not been without challenges. Traditionally governed by private game publishers, Esports has faced scrutiny over governance issues and concerns about violent content in certain games. However, the IOC's assurance that games selected for the Olympic Esports Games will adhere to Olympic values has mitigated some of these concerns.

Globally, the IOC's recognition of Esports on July 23, 2024, marked a turning point. The decision paved the way for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games, scheduled for 2025 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This transformative moment followed the success of the 2023 Olympic Esports Week, which served as a testing ground for Esports' integration into the Olympic ecosystem.

As Esports gains traction in Kenya, the recognition by NOC-K signifies an opportunity to harness the passion of the country's youth and channel it into healthy competition on the global stage. With robust leadership, growing county-level representation, and the backing of international federations, Kenya is well-positioned to make a strong debut at the Olympic Esports Games.

This recognition is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a gateway for Kenyan athletes to excel in a rapidly growing field, blending technology and sportsmanship under the banner of the Olympic Movement.