Kenyans don’t only watch sports on holidays; sports are part of everyday life in Kenya. From small local fields in Kayole to big arenas where fans are cheering, sports tournaments are moments when cheers turn into joy or sadness. The fun doesn’t end — it only multiplies by 2025.
Instead of going over the same news, let’s look at what really matters to fans and participants.
Football Still Reigns
When sporting events are organized, football grabs the biggest crowds.
To be honest, football is Kenya’s biggest passion. Listening to people, it seems they view Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards as if they run the clubs themselves.
As for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), even as we move into 2025, millions of eyes are watching the sport — thanks to TikTok and local streaming services.
The biggest news? Kenya is helping host CHAN 2025 (African Nations Championship) with Uganda and Tanzania. It’s already bringing in continental players to our leagues, more business for local sellers, and giving our region a spotlight across Africa.
In towns like Machakos and Eldoret, you can feel the excitement building — sports tournaments like CHAN are turning into national moments that bring people together.
Where Champions Are Made: Athletics
If football has the most fans, athletics has the richest history.
The Nairobi City Marathon has become one of the biggest sporting events in East Africa. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a first-timer, you may find yourself running the same track in search of fame and reward.
In 2025, the Machakos Half Marathon and Iten Classic both got major upgrades. Local councils and schools are investing more in these events. We’re starting to see new runners step into the spotlight.
Motorsport: Naivasha’s Big Love
Even if you’re not a big WRC fan, you’ve likely heard of the Safari Rally.
The Naivasha event is more than a race — it’s a full-blown festival. Between the food, music, dust, and engines, thousands of Kenyans show up with folding seats and coolers.
The 2025 Safari Rally didn’t disappoint. Rain or shine, the crowd came. More international drivers took part this year, proving just how exciting — and tough — Kenya’s terrain is for motorsport.
Golf’s Quiet Rise
Not many people realize it, but golf is growing steadily in Kenya, especially around Nairobi and Nyali.
The Magical Kenya Open now attracts serious international attention at Muthaiga Golf Club. Jacques Kruyswijk took the win in 2025, but so did the local caddies and young players who got the spotlight.
Golf is no longer just for retirees in polo shirts. Young people are joining the clubs and bringing new energy.
Rugby: School Pride and Stadium Glory
There’s something electric about the start of the Safari Sevens or the Blackrock Rugby Festival.
Students practice for months, and for older fans, the games bring back school memories.
In 2025, Kenya’s Sevens squad is rebuilding. While big wins haven’t come yet, public support remains strong. Outside of Nairobi, towns like Nakuru and Kakamega are now hosting their own rugby tournaments.
There Are Many More School and University Tournaments Now
You’ve probably seen people cheering loudly for students in sports if you’ve been around a school field. School sports are not only a chance to rest from lessons; they are now big events. Football in Kisii and basketball in Mombasa are both getting more competitive than ever. The students are very skilled, the teachers act like pros and the parents are there in full force to back up their kids.
The Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) is now larger, as more schools are joining every term. In 2025, more money is being put in — new balls, new uniforms and teams with full kits are now a reality. Sports are now being treated like academics by certain schools which means they provide scholarships and hire proper coaches. This is a first chance for many young players to show what they can do and some could join the national league in just a few years.
Women are Moving into Leadership in Sports
By 2025, women’s sports in Kenya are not only keeping up but also moving ahead. Now that matches in the Kenya Women’s Premier League (KWPL) are being aired live, more people are paying attention. Not all stadiums are packed, but the number of fans is going up. People gather to watch in person and more people are tuning in online than ever.
Volleyball is also a big player. Kilifi’s sandy beaches and Nairobi’s indoor courts are both places where women’s teams are winning. In sports? Women from Eldoret, Iten and Kapsabet are breaking records and winning medals in Africa. They are demonstrating to young girls that success comes from talent, as well as hard work, team effort and self-confidence. Women in sports are now achieving great things, even though sports used to be mainly for men.
How Betting Ties In
Let’s be real — betting has become part of the sports experience for many Kenyans.
Whether you’re picking a football winner or backing a rally driver, placing a wager adds a layer of excitement.
Want to place a bet? WRBet offers fast M-Pesa transactions and quick payouts.
Just remember: chasing losses rarely works. It’s all about enjoying the game and maybe catching some luck.
Why These Events Matter
It’s not just about medals and prize money.
Sports tournaments bring communities together. They support small businesses, inspire the youth, and give us all something to rally behind.
