The Kenya University Sports Federation ball games in Eldoret were met with a sombre mood as students struggled to cope with the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of some Pwani University students travelling to the games.
The accident, which occurred on Thursday in Naivasha, claimed 17 lives, including 14 from Pwani University, while several others were taken to the hospital with severe injuries.
In light of this tragedy, the Kenya University Sports Federation (KUSF) secretary general, Joseph Sandaji, announced that all games involving Pwani University would be re-pooled.
A minute’s silence was also observed before the start of all games at the University of Eldoret in honour of the fallen Pwani University team members.
The pool matches began on Friday, with the winners and runners-up set to face off in the knockout rounds on Saturday.
The games on the schedule include football, netball, volleyball, hockey, basketball, and handball. Sandaji expressed his condolences to the families affected by the accident and thanked Egerton University students for providing counselling services to those affected by the tragedy.
Despite the tragedy, the games proceeded with 40 universities from various regions participating.
In the opening football match, the University of Eldoret drew 0-0 with Mount Kenya University while Strathmore University won in the men’s basketball, beating Maseno 63-44.
In addition, Africa Nazarene University won against Kenya Methodist University in the men’s basketball with a score of 48-36.
In the men’s volleyball, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology beat hosts University of Eldoret 3-1 (25-21, 23-25, 25-20, 25-18).
