VARSITY SPORTS TEAMS END THE YEAR ON A HIGH NOTE

Mount Kenya University ( MKU) maintained its grip at the top as the curtain fell on Friday at this year’s Kenya University Sports Federation National Games held at the University of Eldoret.

MKU finished third best overall with 21 gold medals, 25 silver medals and 26 bronze medals. The university narrowly missed out of the top sport by three gold medals where it’s sporting rivals USIU- Africa took the top sport with 24 gold medals, 13 silver medals and 21 bronze medals. Kenyatta University came in second with 23 gold medals, 22 silver medals, 26 bronze medals. A total of 21 universities participated in the 10th edition of the games.

MKU best performing teams were the “young Turks ” of karatekas who were appearing in their first major event, mostly comprising of students admitted in the university in September 2025.

The woodball team comprising young students shouldered by few experienced players comfortably fit in the shoes of the senior players – who graduated days to the competition and were automatically locked out of the games – were the most outstanding team of the university, bagging most of the medals. The university swimming team was not left behind in the hunt of medals, bringing home a basket of medals too. Other university teams that brought home medals were the taekwondo men and women teams, tennis men, badminton men and women teams, the table tennis men and women, the darts men team and athletics (both men and women) whose performance was significantly affected by the missing out of key athletes whom are currently in training with Kenya Army and Kenya Police forces.

MKU teams were well branded in team kits across all the events represented. To cement the branding, MKU transport motorcade was led by their new university digital sports bus.The recently acquired Marco Polo was by itself a statement of how serious the university is in matters talent naturally and support of sports and creative activities.

Mr. William Luta the sports, film, creative and performing arts coordinator was thrilled by the performance his teams. “I am in awe of how our teams have performed here. “Most players are young, unexposed talents from the recent September intake, but they have shown positive attitude and resilience. They fought for the honour of their insitution”, he said.

Mr Luta said the university management is deliberate in enforcing and ensuring that no talent is left unattended.”This event has been a learning point too. We need to improve on our training facilities and also facilitate our students to participate in many competitive as well as friendly events to gain exposure and confidence,” he noted.

“Managing third position was not our intention, but we welcome it and we shall get back to work on our shortfalls.Our performance was also affected by number of our strong athletes who were absorbed in different uniformed forces, weakening our athletics and taekwondo teams, where we have been dominant in the past. Competition is very high and all teams are very competitive this year,” Mr Luta said.

“As we head back home, we are proud of our achievements.We look forward to 2026 for more sporting adventures, better performances in the competitive field and in the nurturing young talents,” he added.

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