Kenya
is one of Africa’s leading sporting nations. The Country
has for years featured prominently at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth
Games and Athletic Championships. Kenya has produced a number of
World famous athletes who have dominated middle and long distance
races such as; Kipchoge Keino, Naftali Temu, Moses Kiptanui, Douglas
Wakihuri, John Ngugi, Moses Tanui and Paul Kipkoech. The 3,000
meters steeplechase is a special event and the country has dominated
winning the gold medal at major meets.
Soccer:
The National Soccer Team known as “Harambee Stars” is
one of the stronger teams in East and Central Africa. The team
competes regularly at regional tourneys and has also participated
at the African Nation’s Cup and World Cup Qualifiers. The
Country also has a healthy club competition though local clubs
such as Gor Mahia once Continental Champions and AFC Leopards
are not as dominant.
Volleyball:
Kenyan clubs as well as the national team both men and women
are major competitors in continental competitions. The women’s
national team has represented the continent at the world cup.
Cricket:
The Kenyan Cricket team has participated at the last three world
cups. Opponents know never to underestimate the Kenyans. The
team’s first scalp was West Indies at the 1996 world
cup in Pakistan. The team lost all its matches at the 1999
tournament.
In 2003, Kenya surprised everyone by beating Sri Lanka, Canada
and Bangladesh on their way to the Semi Finals where the team
lost to India.
Rugby:
The Kenya Cup is the main rugby league in Kenya and features
prominent clubs such as Impala, Nondescripts, Harlequins, Mwamba
and Mean Machine. The sport is the fastest growing team sport
in the country and is played in many schools and colleges. The
National Sevens Team participates on the international circuit.
