Mount Kenya University launches esports training centre

Mount Kenya University, based in Thika, Kenya, has launched an esports training facility at its main campus.

Opened in collaboration with national esports body Esports Kenya Federation, the facility aims to support students looking to embark on a career in the esports industry.

According to a release, the training centre is the first in Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa. The release also says the centre will ‘equip students and youth in the community with skills’ enabling them to become esports players, coaching staff and tournament referees.

In addition to offering skills for competing, coaching and refereeing, the centre will also provide a range of transferrable skills such as game development and content creation.

Founded in 1996, Mount Kenya University teaches over 50,000 students across a range of qualifications including business, economics and education. In 2023, the University provided a range of gaming equipment to students to compete in events in Tekken, NBA 2K and EA Sports FC.

Universities and educational institutions around the world continue to expand their offerings in esports. In September 2024, the University of West London will launch two new esports degrees while the University of Suffolk plans to launch an undergraduate qualification in 2025.

Professor Simon N. Gicharu, Chairman of Mount Kenya University, spoke on the opening of the centre: I am delighted to announce that MKU in collaboration with Esports Kenya Federation will establish an esports training centre.

“It will equip our students with skills that will enable them to generate an income and even make a  career via their hobby”