The Kenya Electronic Sports Federation (KESF) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with its official recognition by the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K). This recognition firmly establishes esports within the Olympic Movement in Kenya, elevating the sport’s profile and aligning it with the global Olympic agenda.
The announcement came during a meeting held at NOC-K’s offices in Westlands, Nairobi. NOC-K’s secretary-general emphasized the federation’s inclusion in Kenya’s Olympic Family and pledged collaboration with KESF to prioritize athlete development and prepare for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025.
“This inclusion signifies our commitment to ensuring esports aligns with Olympic values while offering young people a structured platform to pursue their passion competitively,” the secretary-general stated.
The recognition comes as KESF also becomes affiliated with international esports federations, cementing its position on the global stage. KESF’s robust organizational framework, visionary leadership, and the active involvement of youth administrators have been highlighted as key factors in its success. The registration of 29 county associations and the federation’s consistent activities underscore a dedication to nurturing talent and growing esports in Kenya.
KESF President Ronny Lusigi expressed gratitude for the recognition, calling it a game-changer for esports 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,” Lusigi said. He also reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to working with NOC-K on athlete empowerment and administrative capacity-building programs.
Esports’ inclusion in the Olympic framework has been a topic of significant debate over the years. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially embraced the sport on July 23, 2024, during an IOC session. This landmark decision marked the start of a transformative era for esports, culminating in the upcoming Olympic Esports Games.
The 2025 event in Saudi Arabia follows the success of the 2023 Olympic Esports Week, which featured forums, exhibition matches, and finals for the Olympic Esports Series. These initiatives explored how esports could integrate with the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect in the digital era.
As esports continues to gain global traction, Kenya’s recognition of the sport signals a new dawn for its youth, providing opportunities to channel their passion for gaming into competitive and rewarding pursuits. This development positions Kenya as a key player in the rapidly evolving landscape of esports.
