Kenya names squad for UFAK Region East Karate Championships

The regional tournament, organised under the Union of African Karate Federations, is expected to attract top karate athletes, coaches and officials from across East Africa as Kenya hosts the event for the second time.

Speaking Thursday during a media briefing in Nairobi, Kenya Karate Federation President Eng. Richard Binga confirmed that preparations are in top gear, with 11 countries already registered for the championship.

Binga noted that Kenya has selected a squad of 50 athletes who will compete in junior, cadet and senior divisions, adding that the team has already entered residential camp in Thika under the guidance of technical coaches.

Kenya heads into the championship with confidence following a strong performance at the previous edition held in Ethiopia, where the country finished second overall after winning 10 gold medals across different categories.

The federation is also expecting top continental and global karate officials to attend the Nairobi event, including representatives from the African federation and the world governing body.

Binga said the tournament will also help prepare athletes for future international assignments including the African Championships in Algeria and Commonwealth Karate in Scotland.

“The objective after this tournament, the athletes that will fly our flag and perform well will also be part of the team that will represent the country in the African Championship that is coming up in Algeria in September. We also have Commonwealth Karate which will be hosted by Scotland and Kenya being part of Commonwealth countries have also been invited to participate,” said Binga.

He further noted that the event will help improve technical standards within the sport through training sessions for officials, referees and coaches.

“We also have a representative from the world body who will be carrying out training for our officials, referees and coaches just to update us on the new rules and adoption of technology in officiating and that also will go a long way in improving the standard of the sport within the country and the region as a whole,” he added.

Kenya Karate Federation Secretary General, James Gikonyo, described the championship as an important milestone for Kenyan karate, especially after the country’s strong showing in previous competitions.

Gikonyo also highlighted financial challenges facing the federation, saying limited resources continue to affect participation in international ranking tournaments that are important for athlete qualification and exposure.

Team Kenya captain, Francis Wamukoyi, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness ahead of the regional showdown, saying morale within the camp remains high.

“We are grateful for the camp we’re in since it helps us to settle down and stay focused with the task ahead of us. We must perform, with the help of everyone and the result shall show,” said Wamukoyi.

Team Kenya athlete, Mercy Wambui, also backed the squad to deliver strong performances in Nairobi, saying the athletes are fully prepared for the challenge ahead.

“We’re back home so we’re very ready to deliver. It’s just the final touches and then we’re ready to hit the mat. We’re home, we can’t be beaten at home! So that also comes with additional pressure to do our best,” said Wambui.

The championship will feature cadet, junior and senior competitions in both kata and kumite categories, with organizers expecting the four-day event to boost the growth of karate in the region while giving local athletes crucial international exposure.

Kenya will be banking on home advantage, intensive preparations and a confident squad to challenge for top honours against East Africa’s finest karate talent.