Mount Kenya University unveils new esports training center

Mount Kenya University, located in Thika, Kenya, has introduced an esports training facility at its main campus in partnership with the Esports Kenya Federation. This new facility is positioned as a significant development for the local esports scene, marking a milestone as one of the first of its kind in Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The centre is designed to help students pursue careers in various aspects of the esports industry, including playing, coaching, and refereeing. It will also offer training in related fields such as game development and content creation, providing students with a broad range of skills applicable both within and beyond esports.

Established in 1996, Mount Kenya University serves over 50,000 students in diverse fields like business, economics, and education. In 2023, the university supported students by providing gaming equipment for competitions in titles such as Tekken, NBA 2K, and EA Sports FC.

The expansion of esports programs is a growing trend among educational institutions globally. For instance, the University of West London will introduce two new esports degrees in September 2024, and the University of Suffolk plans to offer an undergraduate qualification in 2025.

Professor Simon N. Gicharu, Chairman of Mount Kenya University, commented on the centre’s launch: “I am pleased to announce that MKU, in collaboration with the Esports Kenya Federation, is establishing this esports training centre. It will equip our students with skills that could lead to income-generating opportunities and potential careers in esports.”