Mount Kenya University (MKU) has unveiled state-of-the-art gaming equipment at its main campus in Thika town in a bid to grab a stake in the fast rising world of electronic sports (e-sports).
The new equipment was officially handed over to students by the Board of Directors Chairman Prof Simon Gicharu.
“By recognizing the potential of e-sports, universities in Kenya can create an inclusive environment that nurtures talent, empowers students and prepares them for the ever-evolving digital landscape,” he said.
The launch event showcased the university’s commitment to innovation, technology, and the holistic development of students.
Consequently, the university’s e-sports management team has commenced a recruitment drive for the upcoming season.
“If you have a burning passion for competitive gaming and want to showcase your skills, this is your chance to shine,” the team said in statement.
In the traditional sports, MKU emerged Third Best Overall among Kenyan universities and subsequently the eighth best East African institution during the 12th edition of Eastern Africa Universities games that were held at Ndejje University, Uganda in December 2022. The event attracted 35 universities across Eastern Africa.
However, the world of e-sports is exploding in Kenya, with an increasing number of young people achieving success in competitive gaming. Although not well known, e-sports is gaining momentum — from diverse gaming models, innovative content development and dynamic relationships with the creative economy.
In 2022, Kenya made a debut in the Global E-sports Games held in Istanbul, Turkey. Eight of Kenya’s best gamers competed against African nations such as Ghana, Nigeria, Tunisia, Djibouti, Libya, Somalia and Namibia, and the world’s best.
The growth of e-sports in Kenya has been fuelled by factors such as high-speed internet availability, affordable gaming hardware and opportunities to connect and compete with gamers from all over the world. This is closely linked to the creative economy, which combines art, technology and storytelling to create an entertaining experience.
Experts say participating in e-sports enhances various transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication, which are highly valued in today’s job market. The exercise provides a platform for students to engage with cutting-edge technology, thereby promoting digital literacy and equipping them with valuable technical skills needed for the digital era.
By embracing e-sports, universities can enhance their brand image and attract potential students who are interested in pursuing gaming-related degrees and careers, thus boosting enrollment and institutional visibility.
The E-sports Kenya Federation (ESKF) is a body licensed by the Government of Kenya to serve the E-sports sector and form a nation-wide network of E-sports players’ clubs and regulate the sector.
The industry players believe E-sports in Kenya is a sunrise industry with its market size and economic importance set to bloom in the next few years and Kenya could harness its economic potentials in the long run.
“Going forward, e-sports could potentially bring computer gaming from the private and uncontrolled sphere to the public controlled sphere within which youth benefit from the support network of senior/adults, such as coaches and trainers and peers alike,” says the Federation.
By James Wakahiu
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