How Kenya went from obscurity to Africa’s rising curling contender

As far as elite sports go, few are as unique or as captivating as curling. In Kenya, the sport is barely six years old, yet it has already carved a niche for itself on the continent.

Curling was first introduced in the country in 2020, when Laventa Oguta, then president of the Kenya Curling Federation (KCF), became inspired after watching the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Oguta, driven by a vision to bring the sport to Kenya, secured a curling center in Nairobi and launched initiatives to engage schools and local organizations.

This grassroots strategy laid the foundation for the sport’s growth, giving Kenyan athletes a platform to practice, compete, and develop their skills.

By 2021, the Kenya Curling Federation had received official recognition from the World Curling Federation, making Kenya only the second African nation after Nigeria to join the international curling community.

Since then, Kenya has participated in six international competitions, including the 2025 World Junior Mixed Doubles Curling Championship, the 2024 World Mixed Curling Championship, and the 2024 Pan Continental Curling Championships.

Despite limited resources, the sport has grown steadily, fueled by public demonstrations, school outreach programs, social media campaigns, and regular practice sessions.

“We are continuously training both current and new athletes, as well as officials,” says Peter Owino, CEO of the KCF.

“Our goal is to maximize the number of Kenyan athletes competing internationally and to spark local interest in curling.”

Kenya’s curling stars include Kyra Sheri Kemu and Hassnein Ali Shah, both of whom have represented the nation at multiple global events.

As the sport gains traction, Kenya is positioning itself as a continental ambassador, helping raise curling’s profile across Africa.

“Through our participation in international events, we contribute to growing visibility and interest in curling across the continent,” Owino explains.

On the competitive front, Kenya has already begun to make a mark. While Nigeria was the first African nation to enter the World Curling Federation, Kenya has quickly closed the gap.

“The Nigerian team represented Africa first, but we have undoubtedly overtaken them based on recent performances,” KCF President Robert Mutai declares.

In terms of results, the men’s B-Division team secured a notable win in 2022 against Nigeria.

The women’s team has achieved two international wins and earned a bronze medal, while the mixed and mixed doubles teams are still seeking their first victories.

Most recently, Kenya competed in the World Junior Curling Championships in Edmonton, Canada, which concluded on May 11, and the federation eagerly awaits the next set of competitions from the World Curling Federation.

Despite these successes, the federation faces several challenges. Funding remains a persistent issue, with athletes, coaches, and families often contributing out-of-pocket to support travel and competition expenses.

Mutai emphasizes, “We sometimes fundraise ourselves, parents chip in, and players do their best. We survive on patronage and resilience.”

Training facilities are another major hurdle. Kenya’s only ice rink at Panari was designed for recreational use and is unsuitable for intensive professional training.

“We lack a proper facility for heavy, consistent training, which limits our ability to compete at the highest level,” Mutai notes.

Geopolitical conflicts around the world also pose scheduling risks, with events in certain regions uncertain due to ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Iran.

Nevertheless, the federation remains optimistic about the future. With more investment in early development, infrastructure, and funding, Kenya has the potential to cement its position as a leading curling nation in Africa and perhaps influence world rankings.

The federation’s approach blends grassroots growth with high-performance ambitions, aiming to produce skilled athletes while expanding public interest in the sport.

Curling’s rise in Kenya is as much about perseverance as it is about sport. It’s a story of vision, resilience, and community support.

From its introduction by a passionate group of pioneers to international representation, Kenya has steadily built a competitive presence on the global curling scene.

Mutai reflects on the federation’s journey: “Six years ago, curling in Kenya was barely known. Today, we have athletes competing internationally, raising Africa’s profile in this unique sport.

Our focus is to grow, train, and compete, showing that with determination, even less-known sports can thrive here.”

For those seeking a new sport to watch or participate in, Kenyan curling offers excitement, strategy, and a growing community.

It’s a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and vision, even in a sport that seems far removed from Kenya’s traditional athletic pursuits.

“Don’t know me? You better get to know me,” Mutai says, reflecting the federation’s spirit and ambition.

As Kenyan curling continues to expand, both on the ice and in public imagination, it is clear that the country is carving a unique place for itself in the sport, one stone at a time.