Chavakali High School pioneers American football in Western region
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 04.06.24. | 09:10
American football is already gaining traction in several schools in Nairobi, and its introduction to Western Kenya is a significant milestone in expanding the sport's reach and popularity in the country
Chavakali High School has made history by becoming the first school in the Western region to introduce American football.
This innovative step aims to broaden the region's sports offerings, which have traditionally been dominated by rugby and soccer.
In an exclusive with Mozzart Sport, president of Kenya Federation of American Football George Alwanga noted that the move was crucial in raising the status of the school.
Alwanga who is an alumni of the school was glad that the initiative would change the history of the school known for its rugby prowess.
"American football has been growing in Kenya, and the essence of us going to Chavakali School to plant a seed for high school games, considering Western is a powerhouse of sports, is to allow young athletes to learn this new, dynamic sport that is very competitive and internationally recognized," Alwanga said.
The federation plans to introduce American football to ten boys' schools and ten girls' schools across the Western region, with the intention of organizing a regional tournament.
Despite a tight schedule, they aim to hold this tournament by mid-August. There are also ongoing efforts to bid for hosting upcoming continental games in Kenya.
Chavakali High School to pioneer American football in Western Kenyahttps://t.co/kFvPfsEjyb pic.twitter.com/Itve81fPH2
— Kenya Federation of American Football (@kenyanfl) June 3, 2024
"The winning team from Western will have the opportunity to form a junior team that could represent Kenya in next year's continental games," Alwanga added.
On his side, Chavakali High School coach Brian Walumbe expressed his appreciation to the Kenya Federation of American Football for selecting their school as the launch point.
He explained that starting with the rugby players was a strategic move due to the structural and physical similarities between rugby and American football.
"I believe this initiative will benefit our boys as they aspire to go professional," he offered.
American football is already gaining traction in several schools in Nairobi, and its introduction to Western Kenya is a significant milestone in expanding the sport's reach and popularity in the country.
Institutions such as Maseno University and Kibabii University are also embracing American football.
