Kenya sends five to World Children's Baseball Fair in Japan

The team, made up of three boys and two girls aged between 10 and 11 years, will join children from 11 countries in a week-long programme combining elite baseball coaching, friendly competition and cultural exchange. The young players will train under coaches from the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) while interacting with fellow participants from across the globe, an experience aimed at nurturing both sporting talent and global citizenship.

The trip marks another milestone in the growing collaboration between the Baseball Federation of Kenya (BFK) and Japanese baseball development organisations, a partnership that federation officials say is already creating opportunities for young Kenyan players and coaches to gain international exposure.

Speaking before the team's departure, Baseball Federation of Kenya President Titus Mutwiri said the visit is a continuation of the relationship established between Kenya and Japan in recent years.

"Kenya has got a very good collaboration with the Japanese community. In 2022, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Japan Africa Baseball Softball Foundation. This year, we are collaborating with the World Children's Baseball Fair to take the kids for coaching."

Founded in 1990 by Japanese baseball legend Sadaharu Oh and American Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, the World Children's Baseball Fair brings together children from different countries for baseball training and cultural exchange, using sport to promote friendship, teamwork and mutual understanding.

During the week-long programme, the Kenyan youngsters will take part in technical training sessions, baseball clinics and friendly games under WBSC coaches. They will also participate in cultural activities, including interactions with Japanese communities and fellow participants, providing an opportunity to experience different traditions while building friendships beyond the sport.

For one of Kenya's representatives, Nesly Kaberu, the trip presents a chance to improve both as a player and as a young ambassador for the country.

"I want to know some new people and learn some new skills," said Kaberu.

The Kenyan Team coach Felix Kwachi believes the experience will expose the children to international standards that extend beyond technical ability.

"The children will see how baseball is coached internationally, how first-world countries run their baseball activities and how they instill discipline, teamwork and all those things that every sports person should learn."

Baseball has continued to grow in Kenya through school competitions and grassroots programmes, with partnerships such as the Japan Africa Baseball Softball Foundation helping expand coaching and youth development opportunities.

The experience is expected to equip the youngsters with new skills and international exposure as Kenya continues to strengthen its grassroots baseball development through global partnerships.