Author: Kurunzi Writer

Kenya Wine Agencies Limited through its Heineken brand, the UEFA Champions League partner, last night (Saturday, May 31st, 2025), hosted an electrifying UEFA Champions League  Final Match Viewing Party at Uhuru Gardens in Langata, Nairobi.

This epic event, part of the “Cheers to All Hardcore Fans” campaign, brought together thousands of enthusiastic football fans aged 18 and over to witness the tantalizing climax of the 2024/2025 UCL season.

Starting 4 pm, legions of fans streamed into the venue ready to experience the thrill of the 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League finale between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan. The match, broadcast on one of the largest screens ever seen at a local viewing party, transformed the whole experience into a shared moment of passion and pride.

The teams delivered on entertainment, with PSG trouncing Inter 5-0 in a captivating 90-minute duel that saw PSG lift the Champions League for the first time. PSG young star, nineteen-year-old, Desire Doue, delivered a stunning performance, with the PSG outclassing Inter throughout the match.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the Heineken UCL Final Match Viewing Party was electric with fans describing the experience as the perfect blend of football culture, lifestyle and entertainment.

Organisers said the main objective of the party was to transform the traditional experience of watching Champions League matches into an immersive and inspiring event. The event was designed to deeply engage fans, placing them at the heart of the narrative and emotion, in a way that reflects the unpredictable and exciting essence of football.

Speaking to journalists after the match, KWAL Senior Brand Manager -Beers, Prudence Mutembei, described the event as a big consumer experience around football.

“It is exciting for us as Heineken to bring this thrilling UCL finale to football fans. It has been an amazing experience to see consumers come and engage with the brand and football.”

Prudence added, “Our goal has been to consistently deliver unforgettable experiences like this to our loyal football fans and valued customers. Tonight, is a testament to that dedication of bringing the passion of the game directly to Nairobi with a vibrant, tantalizing, and exceptional viewing party.”

She further added that the final match viewing party was the culmination of the Heineken UCL Campaign in Kenya that kicked off in March and was headlined by the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour on May 1-3 during which thousands of hardcore fans had the opportunity to see and interact with the prestigious trophy.

Beyond the game, Heineken transformed the viewing experience into a vibrant cultural celebration. The evening featured star-studded performances by international superstars Cassper Nyovest and Nasty C, alongside Kenya’s acclaimed artists Savara and Charisma.

As the day melted into evening, the tempo intensified with electrifying DJ sets from DJ IV, DJ Suraj, Foozak, Premium DJ Ruffy, Vidza, Kuzi, Wal, and Will the DJ, and the charismatic MC Azeeza. This signature blend of infectious rhythm had fans singing along, turning Uhuru Gardens into a high-energy celebration of football culture and connection.

Fans enjoyed a wide array of food and drink options from on-site bars and vendors, while Heineken kept the mood vibrant and festive throughout. A thoughtful partnership with Uber ensured fans had a safe and seamless ride home, allowing them to immerse fully in the unforgettable experience.

After a year of financial uncertainty, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya has secured a major lifeline: the reinstatement of its national budget allocation for the 2024–2025 financial year.

The decision by the Kenyan government to boost ADAK’s funding from a meagre KSh 20 million to KSh185 million comes as the country intensifies efforts to combat doping and protect the integrity of its globally renowned sporting achievements.

The move follows warnings from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which had flagged ADAK’s drastically slashed budget as a threat to Kenya’s compliance with international anti-doping standards. During an in-person audit in May 2024, WADA issued Corrective Actions, pointing directly to the impact of the funding cut.

“This reinstatement is not just a financial boost, it’s a clear signal that Kenya remains resolute in safeguarding clean sport,” said Peninah Wahome, acting Chief Executive Officer of ADAK.

The restored budget means ADAK can now ramp up its key activities, including doping tests, intelligence gathering, investigations, and education. The agency reported that in the 2023/24 financial year, it conducted 4,161 doping tests well above its initial target of 3,500. It now aims to surpass that figure in the current year.

“Following sustained advocacy, lobbying and inter-agency collaboration, the budget was recently enhanced to KSh 185 million revitalising ADAK’s testing, education, and intelligence functions,” Wahome confirmed.

This financial reprieve couldn’t come at a more critical time. Kenya is currently preparing to send a team to the 2025 World Athletics Championships, due to take place this September. Ensuring that the athletes are clean and compliant is now a national priority.

“Kenya is on schedule to comply with the World Athletics Rule 15 requirements,” Wahome said, adding that the agency is working “around the clock” to address WADA’s concerns and meet all mandatory requirements.

While ADAK’s core operations in athletics were protected through a separate five-year government pledge of KSh 650 million annually, the broader agency functions were threatened by the earlier budget shortfall.

The recent reinstatement now allows the agency to continue its multi-pronged strategy, including collaborations with the Athletics Integrity Unit and Athletics Kenya under the Enhanced Anti-Doping Project.

Beyond testing and enforcement, education remains a key pillar of ADAK’s strategy. The agency is expanding its school outreach programmes, workshops, and awareness campaigns in partnership with teachers, coaches, and community leaders. It has also worked with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development to embed anti-doping education into school curricula.

“Anti-Doping Education remains the first point of contact for athletes, athletes support personnel and other persons,” said Wahome. “Our long-term goal is to make anti-doping education the cornerstone of athlete development from an early age.”

Part of ADAK’s current focus involves scaling up intelligence-gathering capabilities and enhancing partnerships with law enforcement agencies to dismantle doping networks. Wahome said the agency is actively engaging with both national and international stakeholders to close gaps in the system.

“We firmly believe that this war will be won—and very soon,” she said.

The agency also took a firm stand against the controversial concept of the “Enhanced Games”—a proposed sporting event where performance-enhancing drug use would be permitted.

“This idea undermines decades of global anti-doping efforts and poses serious risks to athlete health and the integrity of sport,” Wahome warned. “ADAK strongly opposes the practice and participation in the Enhanced Games.”

Despite the challenges, the mood within ADAK is one of determination and resilience. With renewed financial backing and growing cooperation across sectors, the agency is positioning itself as a key player in restoring Kenya’s credibility on the international sporting stage.

“We remain committed to clean, fair competition and continue to celebrate athletes who choose to ‘Stay Clean and Win Right,’” Wahome concluded, calling on all stakeholders—athletes, schools, federations, sponsors, and the public—to join in protecting the spirit of sport.

About 5000 participants are expected to attend this year edition of the Secondary Schools games which will be hosted in Kakamega County from 12 to 25 August 2025.

Secondary Sports Association (FEASSA), president Justus Mugisha, after he held a meeting with the Principal Secretary Ministry of Education last evening in Nairobi, said that the Championship has produced various talents across the East African Region and they expect to increase the number of Sports categories from 15 to 20.

‘’We want to give the children of East Africa as many options as possible and that after consultation, we expect to increase the number of different sports to 20 and we want to go higher he said’’

Accompanied him was the head of the directorate field coordination and co-curricular activities at the Ministry of Education Nelson Sifuna who said that Kenya is read to host the Championship and that for the first time Kenya has invited guest teams from other African Countries and looking forward for a successful tournament.

He said that the expansion of Sports to other categories like Lacrosse, Cricket, beach football and Volleyball is giving more opportunities to Youths.

Last year the Championship was held in Bukedea, Uganda where Team Kenya displayed their prowess across various disciplines, solidifying their position as a formidable force in the region.

The Kenyan media has been urged to play a leading role in the fight against Gender Based Violence that is currently bedeviling our sporting community.

Speaking during SJAK Kip Keino Classic Media Workshop in Nairobi, Diana Watila C.E.O Gender Protection and Implementation Committee, State Department for Sports, noted that GVB is a monster that should be fought with the seriousness it deserves.

She called upon the media to intensify the fight in shaping the public opinion and perception on matters GVB.

“From the fallen Agnes Tirop of Kenya to Rebecca Cheptegei of Uganda, GBV is no respector  of person, creed, race, or culture,” Watila noted.

Watila, a career advocate with vast experience in legal and advocacy fields focusing on gender and human rights, highlighted in her presentation that the media needs to be very objective in their GBV coverage to safeguard policies and their reporting coverage on GBV.

“GBV cuts across all gender, but it affects more women than men, this is because of culture, stigma, inadequate distribution of resources and the power struggle,” Watila highlighted.

“The first priority when responding to GVB issue is to focus on the needs of the victims, ensure they are properly protected.  Prevention plays a central role in efforts to eradicate the root cause of the issue at hand. Provide accessible information about what the GVB issue is all about, its different forms, possible remedies and the existing support measures, ” Watila stated in the detailed presentation.

Kip Keino Classic Meet Director, Barnaba Korir, who highlighted on the success of the Continental Tour Gold Series praised the scribes for contributing in the growth and development of the global showdown.

“Through your immense coverage, we have had sponsors and partners who have propelled this contest to the next level,” Korir stated.

” Truth be said, this Meet is currently the best in the world, starting with our well organised media center that is helping scribes to relay live feeds to the rest of the world,” stated Korir.

Korir gave assurance that Ulinzi Sports Complex venue is due to be ratified by the global athletics body anytime between now and Saturday.

During the workshop, the scribes shared their personal experiences and relationships with athletes and officials, with some turning out bitter while others resulting into blessings in disguises.

This interactive session was conducted by immediate former Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) President Chris Mbaisi.

Current SJAK boss James Waindi thanked the organisers of the workshop for the noble seminar that also highlighted the plight of the scribes and urged organisers to stage more of those sessions to build networking and relationships with journalists.

Waindi also called on the media to embrace investigative journalism more so on matters dipping and governance.

The workshop is one of the many pre event activities held in the run up to the sixth edition of the Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour which will be held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex after being moved from Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, 31 May 2025.

This year’s edition  marks the first time the event is being staged out of its traditional venues, Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums, since its inclusion in the World Athletics calendar in 2020.

This year’s edition has already attracted top European sprinters, among them the 2016 Olympic javelin champion Thomas Rohler from Germany, and both two-time world and Olympic Anderson Peters from Grenada and reigning hammer throw world champion Ethan Katzberg from Germany.

Kenya Wine Agencies Limited through brand Heineken the UEFA Champions League partner, will host an exciting UCL Final Match Viewing Party at Uhuru Gardens in Langata, Nairobi, on Saturday, 31 May 2025.

For the ‘hard core fans’ of the UEFA UCL above 18 years of age, Heineken is crafting an unforgettable finale experience. This high-energy celebration will feature electrifying performances by South African superstars Cassper Nyovest and Nasty C, alongside Kenyan acclaimed artists, Savara, Charisma, and H Art the Band.

Soundtrack to the night will be a non-stop mix of beats from DJs DJ IV, DJ Suraj, Foozak, Premium DJ Ruffy, Vidza, Kuzi, Wal, and Will the DJ, all guided by the charismatic MC Azeeza.

The event promises to capture the thrill of the 2024/2025 UCL final in Munich Football Arena, Germany, between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, with a mega viewing party featuring the largest screen ever in such an event in Nairobi.
The atmosphere will be fuelled by the fans’ anticipation and excitement. The match viewing party will be a fun entertainment and lifestyle event to enhance the viewing experience.

“The UEFA Champions League is a truly global competition, and we are delighted as KWAL through Heineken to give Kenyan fans a chance to experience the competition up close and personal,” said Jonas Geeraerts, Commercial Director at KWAL.

“We call upon all hard-core fans to pull up with their crew and get ready to experience a vibrant, tantalizing and exceptional viewing party. We encourage all consumers to drink responsibly and not to drink and drive. We have partnered with Uber for discounted rides for fans joining us at Uhuru Gardens on the 31st for the event.”

Tickets for this exclusive viewing party are available for purchase.
• Regular tickets are priced at KSh 2,500.
• VIP tickets are available for KSh 8,000.

Tickets can be purchased online at: www.hustle.com and www.mookh.com

Earlier this month, Heineken amplified the Champions League excitement in Kenya by bringing the iconic UEFA Champions League Trophy to Nairobi, accompanied by German football legend, Bastian Schweinsteiger. The Tour gave fans a chance to celebrate the beautiful game. The 2025 UCL Campaign underscores Heineken®’s commitment to creating memorable events for football fans.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has firmly declared that Kenya is fully prepared to host the 2024 African Nations Championship, dismissing ongoing speculation that the country may lose hosting rights due to infrastructure or logistical challenges.

Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi on Monday 26 May 2025, Mvurya reiterated the government’s commitment and readiness, asserting that all necessary preparations are on track.

“Kenya is ready and will host CHAN. Ignore any other reports,” Mvurya stated unequivocally, putting to rest growing concerns in local and regional media that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) might relocate the tournament.

His remarks come amid rising anxiety over stadium readiness and previous failures by Kenya to host major tournaments. The country lost hosting rights for the 2018 CHAN due to delays in meeting CAF standards. However, CS Mvurya assured the nation that this time is different.

“The government has invested significantly in sports infrastructure and logistics. Stadium renovations in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Eldoret are nearing completion. The venues meet CAF specifications, and we are confident they will be inspected and approved in time,” he said.

He emphasized that international tournaments like CHAN provide immense opportunities for tourism, investment, and youth empowerment.

“We are not just building stadiums. We are building a legacy. Hosting CHAN will showcase Kenya’s potential as a sporting hub and give our local players international exposure,” Mvurya said.

CHAN which features national teams composed exclusively of players active in their respective domestic leagues, is scheduled for August this year. Kenya is slated to co-host the tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda under the East Africa Pamoja Bid.

CAF officials are expected to conduct a final inspection of venues and infrastructure by July. Mvurya expressed confidence that the evaluation will confirm Kenya’s readiness.

“We welcome CAF to assess our progress. What they will find is a nation that is ready, willing, and more than capable of delivering a world-class tournament.”

Former national women’s 400m champion Grace Kidake and her teammate Nancy Ngina are oozing with optimism of extending their great performances this year at the African Masters Athletics Championships slated for Tunisia in September.

Kidake, 40, produced another magnificent show at the European Speed Masters Championships held in Shkoder, Albania where she managed to grab two gold medals in the women’s 200m (W40) and split relay that involved African athletes.

The Mombasa-based short distance runner won a silver medal and a bronze in mixed relay last year during the 25^th edition of the World Masters Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.

“The completion was tough but we are grateful that we managed to come back home with something. We used this to gauge our levels ahead of the African championships this year and the World Masters Athletics Championships next year in Daegu, South Korea,”kidake said.

“This event in Albania was important to us as far as improving our qualification and competition time is concerned. I would like to thank our association (Athletics Kenya Masters) and the leadership of Athletics Kenya for granting us the opportunity to travel and compete overseas.”

On her part, Nancy Ninga who was competing at the Masters level for the first time expressed her elation after coming home with two bronze medals that she won in women’s 200m category W59 and split relay.

“I am grateful to everyone who made this possible as we went to Albania for this competition. This was my first-time racing outside the country. This Masters competition is very useful especially in keeping fit especially for former athletes. I would like to urge other ‘retired’ athletes to come back to the track or even road racing for the purpose of keeping fit for good health,” Ngina said.

AKM Secretary General DR Rose Tata Muya, who was at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport early Thursday morning congratulated the duo for the stellar show abroad.

“We are so happy because of these two great ladies (Kidake and Ngina). They did all they could to be in Albania for the championships. They have done us proud as a country despite the earlier misfortunes of delayed visa approval. I would like to encourage them and the other Masters Athletes in the country to train hard since we have trials for the African Championships.”

The European Speed Master Championships were held from 15 to 18 May 2025.

The secretariat of the Sports Disputes Tribunal held a banquet dinner and farewell ceremony for the inaugural membership whose two terms tenure comes to an end mid this month.

The Sports Disputes Tribunal is a creation of the Sports Act, 2013 and came into existence in 2014 under the leadership of Senior Counsel Honourable John Morris Ohaga as the Chairman and deputized by Hon. Elynah Shiveka.

For the past 11 years the Sports Disputes Tribunal which has a membership 9 has been adjudicating on disputes emanating from sports federations and athletes who have been excluded from national teams unfairly.

In 2016 the Sports Disputes Tribunal was added to another jurisdiction by the Anti-Doping Act 2016 to handle the doping menace.

The Chairman Senior Counsel Hon. John Ohaga’s tenure ended last November and Hon. Njeri Onyango who was a member was appointed in an acting position as the Chairperson. Other members who are exiting mid this month include Hon. Gichuru Kiplagat, Hon. Gabriel Ouko, Hon. Peter Ochieng and Hon. Mary Gichuru.

The other two members who left after serving one term included GMT Otieno and Robert Asembo. The court users who were present during the ceremony extended their gratitude to the outgoing members for maintaining high standards, integrity and setting an excellent foundation for jurisprudence in the practice of sports.

The outgoing members led by the Chairman senior Counsel Hon. John Ohaga, current acting Chair Hon Njeri Onyango, deputy Chair Hon. Elynah Shiveka, Hon. Gichuru Kiplagat, and Hon. Peter Ochieng reflected at the tenure for the past 11 years.

The Secretary/ CEO of the SDT Dr. Leah Kaburu appreciated and applauded the outgoing membership for a job well done.

“There are two members who will be left still serving as recruitment for the new Chairperson and five other members is ongoing in earnest. Hon. Bernard Murunga is one of the two members who will be left behind to wear the shoes of the exiting team.”

Team Kenya to the 2025 World Relays championships in Guangzhou, China, on 10-11 May, continues to hon their skills at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, their designated base for residential training.

Under head coach Stanley Towet, the team have pitched camp at the military facility since the conclusion of the national trials two weeks ago.

The athletes have responded to his training regimen as expected, giving him and his assistants belief that they will be competitive in the Chinese city.

Key in Towet’s ambitions is to surpass the lone bronze medal the country grabbed at last year’s edition in Nassau, Bahamas, and qualify the teams for the World Championships in Tokyo in September.

His backroom has coaches Catherine Kagwiria, Thomas Musembi and Simon Riga with Edwin Kiptoo the physiotherapist while Kennedy Tanui is the team manager.

Speaking after Wednesday’s training session, Towet observed the inclusion of high fliers like Mary Moraa and Ferdinand Omanyala is crucial since they are used to the rigours of competing at the top.

And even though the duo is out of the country, Towet believes this will only work towards Kenya’s success at the World Relays.

Omanyala is in China awaiting this weekend’s Shanghai Diamond League while Moraa has travelled stateside for the Grand Slam Track meeting.

“Omanyala has previous ran with Mweresa (Boniface) and Babu (Meshack) and we therefore expect to experience no issues on race day,” he said.

Baton exchange has perennially embarrassed Team Kenya but Towet hopes to put this to an end.

“Handling of the baton has been a big issue for us for a long time, especially in the 4x100m but we are working to ensure that the baton flows smoothly from start to end,” he said.

“We have done numerous tests yesterday (Tuesday) and today (Wednesday) and I am comfortable with how each athlete has reacted,”

“In addition, we plan to travel to China early to give ourselves an opportunity to try our (baton) handover on the race venue. This will ensure every one of our athletes understand where to be, what to do and at what time during their respective races.”

Mweresa, a veteran of three World Relays, is honoured to guide a young, talented team to China, in a continent where Kenya has performed exemplary over the years.

“This is my fourth World Relays and I am privileged to captain the team,” he said earlier. “Expectations are high since we have a very young team.

Tanui expects trouble-free period in training as they seek to exorcise their also-rans’ performance from Bahamas 2024.

“The training is going on well and we are optimistic of having a smooth process as we seek to have the athletes in the best shape possible for the World Relays. We thank Athletics Kenya and the government, through the Ministry of Sports for their support,” said Tanui.