Stakeholders in the martial arts sports have welcomed the launch of Kenya Extreme Combat Sports Federation aimed at empowering the youth at the grass root level.

The federation, which is an affiliate of the World Kick Boxing Federation of Kenya was launched in Nakuru over the weekend.

This comes a few weeks after Nakuru’s Kivumbini Mixed Martial Art club won the President’s cup during a highly competitive tournament in Nairobi.

President World Kickboxing federation of Kenya Japheth Yahuma Adongo Alias Takid Master, during the launch of Kenya Extreme Combat Sports Federations on September 23, 2023.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

According to the President World Kickboxing federation of Kenya Japheth Yahuma Adongo Alias Takid Master, holding the launch in Nakuru was a way of appreciating the young talents who went above and beyond to emerge winners in this year’s President’s Cup.

Read: How boxing, martial arts has changed the lives of youth in Kivumbini

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, the team’s head coach Daniel Owino, says that the local federation brings with it a glimmer of hope for these youth who have invested time and effort into the sport.

Daniel Owino (right), sparring with a partner at Menengai social hall in Nakuru on September 23, 2023.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

“These extreme sports are a new game in the country and they are mostly played abroad. This local federation will therefore help us to export these young talents to other parts of the world where they will get a chance to participate in tournaments and help their families back at home," he explained.

In addition to this, Owino says the local federation will help promote these sports to the youth in the low income areas, who may find themselves engaging in vices.

"The federation also offers great promise in connecting the talented youth to jobs and other opportunities that may come their way."

Watch: Nakuru hosts first kick boxing tournament

The County through the Sports Executive Josephine Achieng welcomed the move saying it will be very beneficial for the youth in the county.

Kivumbini Mixed Martial Art club present the President's cup to Nakuru Sports executive Josephine Achieng' at Menengai social hall on September 23, 2023.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

“As the county government we always look forward to partnering with different federations in nurturing, scouting and supporting talent,” she said.

During the event that was held at the Menengai Social hall, the talented youth managed to showcase their various skills in the different sports that they partake in.

Related: Meet 17-year-old Selina Osachi, Nakuru's up-and-coming female kick boxer

The climax of the event came when the young men and women presented the President’s Cup to Ms. Achieng.

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Launch of local martial arts federation gives hope to youth in Kivumbini

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Bret Sanya