Mount Kenya University (MKU) showcased athletic prowess as they dominated the Kenya Universities Sports Federations (KUSF) games held at the University of Nairobi (UON) main campus from December 16 to 22.
The Thika-based institution clinched an impressive total of 62 medals – 30 gold, 13 silver, and 19 bronze – securing the top spot in the medal standings. Rivals Strathmore University claimed the second position with 30 medals (17 gold, 8 silver, and 5 bronze), while hosts UON secured third place with 54 medals (15 gold, 11 silver, and 28 bronze).
The biennial event, held on odd years, brought together athletes from degree-awarding institutions pursuing a full-time recognized one-year academic course. The theme for this year’s event was “Promoting Academic Excellence through Sports.” The competition featured 21 disciplines in both men’s and women’s categories, including football, basketball, volleyball, hockey, netball, athletics, swimming, karate, softball, Frisbee, and taekwondo.
Other disciplines included chess, badminton, scrabble, darts, table tennis, tennis, rugby 7s, basketball 3×3, swimming, floorball, baseball five, woodball, roll ball, and a demonstration sport (kabaddi).
William Luta, MKU’s Sports and Creative Arts Coordinator, expressed his elation at the impressive results, attributing the success to hard work, consistency, teamwork, and divine grace. He emphasized the university’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing students with the necessary training and exposure.
Luta highlighted the strategic approach of selecting specific teams for representation in contrast to competitors who participated in all sports.
He explained that the university conducted vetting in September, carefully selected teams, and implemented a rigorous preparation and training schedule, including weekend road runs.
Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Simon Gicharu, urged higher learning institution students to leverage e-sports for enhancing problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Gicharu underscored the inclusivity of electronic sports, offering opportunities regardless of physical abilities or background and opening up career paths in game development, event management, and broadcasting.
During a graduation ceremony in Thika town on December 8, where over 5,700 students graduated, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius highlighted the university’s commitment to wellness initiatives, mentioning the strengthened Staff Fitness Centre.
He also noted the participation of differently-abled students in co-curricular activities, citing an event where eleven visually impaired students climbed Mt. Longonot, organized by the Kenya Society for the Blind.
