Nairobi is set for an explosive karate spectacle as Kenya hosts the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK) championship organised by the Kenya Karate Federation. The event is expected to attract athletes, coaches, referees and delegates from 14 eastern Africa countries.

The four-day event will feature cadet, junior and senior competitions in both individual and team categories as regional karate stars battle for medals and honours.

Kenya will field a strong squad of 50 athletes who have been in residential training following an intensive two-month preparation programme supervised by accredited World Karate Federation coaches.

Kenya Karate Federation President Richard Binga expressed confidence that Kenya would outperform rivals and finish top of the standings after placing second in last year’s championship in Ethiopia.

“We finished second in this event last year and we are pumped up sufficiently to claim top honours this year. We believe the duration in camp with the level of coaching we have witnessed will see us through,” Binga said.

He added that home advantage would motivate the team to excel.

“Fighting at home is also a motivator in this championship and we are not letting anyone beat us in our backyard,” he said.

Kenya heads into the tournament buoyed by its strong performance at the previous regional championship in Ethiopia where the team finished second overall with 20 medals comprising 10 gold, nine silver and one bronze.

The federation believes the combination of home support and extensive preparations could propel the national team to overall victory this year.

Among athletes expected to represent the country is advocate Mercy Wambui, who challenged stereotypes about women in karate and urged Kenyans to rally behind the team.

“The perception out there is that Karate is for men. That is just the perception. The reality is that there are more women in camp than the men and we are not just there to make up the numbers, we are thriving,” Wambui said.

“The championships will reveal this truth to most people, so come out and cheer for Team Kenya,” she added.

The Nairobi championship is also expected to attract top continental and global Karate officials, including the president of UFAK, Vice President of the World Karate Federation and heads of various refereeing and technical commissions.

Officials say the presence of the high-ranking delegates reflects Kenya’s growing reputation as a destination for major international sporting events.

Besides competition, the championship will also serve as a platform for development of karate in Africa through specialised coaching and refereeing courses, seminars and examinations aimed at improving officiating and technical standards across the continent.

The tournament will further provide Kenya with an opportunity to gauge its preparedness ahead of the African Karate Championship scheduled for Algeria in September and the Commonwealth Karate Games in Scotland in October.

Binga commended the government for supporting the championship and investing in sports development.

“The Kenya Karate Federation expresses its sincere appreciation to the government of Kenya for its invaluable support towards the hosting of this championship and for the continued investment in the development and promotion of sports in the country,” Binga said.

He also thanked sponsors, partners, security agencies, medical teams, volunteers and members of the karate fraternity for their contribution towards organizing the event Organisers have called on Kenyans and sports enthusiasts to turn up in large numbers and witness what is expected to be a thrilling display of martial arts talent and regional competition.

With medals, national pride and international recognition at stake, Nairobi is poised to host a memorable celebration of Karate excellence.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Doreen Kasung’wa and Celestine Lomolijah