Global Esports Federation chief visits Kenya
The three-day visit brings together government, esports and tourism stakeholders to examine opportunities for Kenya’s growing gaming community.
Kenya.- Sir Paul J. Foster, president and CEO of the Global Esports Federation (GEF), has begun a three-day working visit to Kenya focused on strengthening the country’s esports sector and expanding its role in Africa’s competitive gaming industry. Foster’s visit runs from September 7 to 9 and has been described by the GEF as his first official visit to Africa since taking up his current role.
The visit began with a meeting with Kenya’s cabinet secretary for creative economy, youth affairs and sports, Salim Mvurya, at Talanta Plaza. The engagement brought together representatives from the GEF, Esports Federation Kenya and the State Department of Sports.
Discussions focused on Kenya’s esports infrastructure and its potential to host major international competitions. The Kenyan government committed to supporting the responsible growth of esports and exploring dedicated facilities, including a modern arena. Kenya is also being considered as a potential host for major GEF events, including the Global Esports Tour and Global Esports Cup.
Mvurya said Kenya’s gaming community, estimated at more than 11 million people, provides a foundation for developing esports while creating opportunities in competitive gaming, content creation, innovation and enterprise.
Kenya explores esports and tourism partnership
Foster and his delegation also met Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei to discuss how esports could become part of the country’s tourism offering. The meeting explored ways to use esports events to showcase Kenyan destinations and attract international competitions and their participants.
The discussions also covered opportunities for young people, content creators and innovators, linking esports with tourism, technology and the creative economy.
Other participants included GEF vice president and president of the Africa Esports Development Federation Tommy Sithole, GEF chief impact officer Thanos Karagrounas, Esports Federation Kenya president Ronny Lusigi and Esports Federation Kenya board member Elisha Kiplagat.
Foster’s visit comes shortly after Kenya’s eFootball console team secured a top-four finish at the FIFAe Continental Championship in Casablanca, Morocco. Martin Kibiwott and Daniel Kibiwott represented the country under coach Mohammed Nurki.
