KBC Channel 1

Author: Dismas Otuke

  • Kenya U-20 athletes undergo counselling session ahead of World Championships

    Kenya U-20 athletes undergo counselling session ahead of World Championships

    Kenya’s team for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, currently in a residential training camp in Kasarani, took some time off their routine training yesterday to attend a psychological training and counselling session organized by Athletics Kenya.

    The training, which focused primarily on psychological and emotional self-care, also included lessons on handling pressure, fame, finances, and relationships among athletes and their officials before and during the
    championship.

    Counselling Psychologist Dr. Agnes Nthangi said the key focus of the training was on preparing the young athletes for their upcoming World Championship.

    “We want the young people to feel that they are loved, they are accepted. We also want them to get rid of any negative emotion because young people usually develop feelings of shame, feelings of embarrassment. Especially when their adult companions are not able to correct them appropriately, “said Dr.Thangi

    “So, for young people we wanted them to develop mechanisms of communicating when they are not happy. With the adult companions, the adult companions include the coaches, the medical doctors, the physiotherapists and the managers who travel with them. “She added

    Dr. Nthangi called on the government and sports federations to prioritize counseling sessions for sportsmen and women.

    “Sports includes athletics, we have the football, we have the rugby and we have all the other sports in Kenya. Currently counselling psychology is not mainstreamed. So, the recommendation I would make to the government of Kenya is to actually see the importance of counselling in helping all the sport people whether they are in football, rugby, athletics in such a way that counselling is mainstreamed to support them so that their performance can move from the level it is at currently. “Stated Dr. Nthangi

    Athletics Kenya Chief Administrative Officer Susan Kamau, who attended the session, announced that the federation will make such training mandatory for Kenyan teams ahead of their international assignments, as it is also crucial in tackling the doping menace.

    “It is a deliberate move that we have made as Athletics Kenya to have the counsellors come and talk to them, we know that through this training, through the counsellors that we brought today, it is going to change their mindset and as they go, they will go prepared knowing that we have prepared them as Athletics Kenya, “said Kamau

    She also expressed confidence in the team’s performance in the championship.

    “Because this is something that has been studied. There is scientific evidence that mental preparation which we do as counsellors, that is what we usually do. We enhance performance in sport. This will be a continuous process and this is only the beginning. And we believe that when they are brought together, they are counselled together, they are guided together, they will go of course to participate and compete as individuals. “Said Kamau


    Kenya aims to improve on its 5th place finish at the 2024 Lima, Peru outing, where it secured 3 gold, 3 silvers, and a bronze medal.

    The team of 23 athletes, consisting of 12 boys and 11 girls, which reported for a residential training camp last week, will depart the country at the end of this month ahead of the global showpiece set for the 5th to the 9th of next month in Oregon, USA.

  •  Kenya U-20 athletes intensify training ahead of global championship

     Kenya U-20 athletes intensify training ahead of global championship

    Team Kenya for the World Athletics under-20 championships ramped up its training in Kasarani stadium in preparation for the global event set for the 5th to 9th next month in Oregon, USA.

    The team of 12 boys and 11 girls reported to the residential training camp early this week, almost six weeks after the trials, which were held at Nyayo Stadium.

    For the first time, Kenya will be represented in the field event at the global championship, with African U-20 silver medalist Kelvin Bii participating in the triple jump.

    According to team co-captain Nehemiah Kipng’eno, training has progressed well since they reported to camp, as he aims to retain the 5,000m title won by Andrew Alamisi in 2024.

    “Training is progressing well. We appreciate that we have everything we need at the camp. I’m now working on speed, which was one of my challenges during the trials, and I have improved greatly am sure I will be okay by the time we travel to the USA,” said Kipngeno

    Kipng’eno also exuded confidence with the team’s performance, “We hope for the best performance as the team is well disciplined and focused on their training.”

    The team’s co-captain, Joyline Chepkemoi, hailed the good cooperation in training amongst athletes.

    “The team’s training is good, no complaint so far, my focus is to bring a medal in 5,000m, this being my last junior outing,” said Chepkemoi

    Head coach Robert Ng’isirei is confident in the team and is hopeful of a better medal haul in Oregon, USA.

    “Since we reported to camp, we have been doing well, the athletes are in good shape, and we hope for a better outing. Currently, we are working on endurance and speed as well as avoiding injuries,” said coach Ngisirei

    Despite being optimistic about getting between 6 and 8 gold medals, coach Ng’isirei is wary of the threat from other countries such as the USA, Australia,Uganda, and Ethiopia.

    “I have a disciplined and hardworking team that is ready. We expect stiff competition from many countries, unlike before, when we only expected competition from Ethiopia and Uganda. We also have the USA and Australia, and that is why we want to train to be on par with them. ” I’m expecting between 6 and 8 gold medals this time round,” continued Ng’isirei

    Athletics Kenya Youth Director Barnaba Korir, who visited the team’s training camp, assured them of full support to ensure they deliver the best results.

    “I have seen their faces; they are very young, and these are the categories we want to have as we are committed to ending age cheating. I want to see that they get all the requirements as they continue with their training,” Korir stated

    Korir added that they are using the team to prepare for the 2028 and 2032 Olympics.

    “It’s not only about Oregon, it’s about the future, but also about the 2028 and 2032 Olympics and whatever we get from here is about the future,” Korir added

    Kenya is targeting to better its 2024 outing in Lima, Peru, where it finished 5th overall with 3 gold,3 silver, and a bronze.

    Team Kenya U-20 officials

    The 21st World Athletics Championship is set to be held in Oregon, USA, from the 5th to the 9th of next month.

  • Morocco, the only African side in 2026 World Cup quarters

    Morocco, the only African side in 2026 World Cup quarters

    Morocco will be the only African side in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the conclusion of the round of 16 fixtures on Tuesday night.

    The Atlas Lions, who will get the last eight fixtures underway on Thursday night against two-time champions France, also became the first team from Africa to make it to a back-to-back quarter-final, having finished fourth in the 2022 edition.

    Mohamed Ouahbi charges finished 2nd in group B after tying  Brazil on 7 points.

    Atlas lions drew 1-1 against Brazil before edging Scotland by a solitary goal  and drubbed Haiti 4-2 in the last group match.

    In the round of 32, Morocco advanced by overcoming the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.

    They then comfortably defeated co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the round of 16, setting the stage for a rematch against France .

    Egypt threw away the golden opportunity of making their maiden last eight appearance after losing a  2 goal lead to stumble 2-3 against defending champions Argentina on Tuesday.

    Nine out of ten African representatives made it to the last 32,  save for Tunisia, before seven bowed out and only two teams remained in contention at the round of 16 after which only Morocco sailed through to the quarter-finals.

    Morocco defeated Spain and Portugal in the last 16 and quarter-finals of the 2022 tournament before losing to France in the semi-finals.

  • Cherotich and Odira dazzle in Eugene Prefontaine Classic

    Cherotich and Odira dazzle in Eugene Prefontaine Classic

    World Champions Lilian Odira and Faith Cherotich produced scintillating performances to claim victories in the 800m and 3000m steeplechase, respectively, at the Prefontaine Classic, the 9th stop of the Diamond League meetings on Saturday night in the USA.

    Odira, who was making her 2nd Diamond League appearance in the two-lap race, crossed the finish line first in a seasonal best of 1 min 56.19 seconds.

    Keely Hodgkinson of Britain and America’s Addison Willey finished 2nd and 3rd in 1:56.73 and 1:57.70, respectively.

    “I’m so grateful, coming to the USA and doing my first Pre Classic and becoming a winner.” said Odira

    Olympic champion Cherotich outsprinted Bahraini Winfred Yavi in the last lap to claim victory in the 3,000m steeplechase in 8:51:71, moving into 2nd position in the standings on 21 points, 4 behind Tunisian Bouzayani Marwa.

    Faith Cherotich crosses the finish line at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League

    Yavi settled for 2nd spot on 8:52:84, ahead of Marwa and Kenyan Doris Domongole, who placed 3rd and 4th, respectively.

    Triple Olympic champion over 1500m Faith Kipyegon managed a 3rd position finish in the women’s mile race in 4:17:80,0.18 seconds behind Olympic silver medalist and compatriot Dorcas Ewoi, who finished 2nd.

    The race was won by American Nikki Hiltz, who stopped the clock at a world-leading time of  4:17:49 minutes.

    Kenya’s men had a bad day in the office as former 1500m world champion Timothy Cheruiyot finished 5th in the mile race while Reynold Cheruiyot was 11th.

    Former World indoor silver medalist Noah Kibet placed 8th in the 800m.

    The next meeting is scheduled for Monaco, France, on the 10th of this month.

  • Shabana FC unveils Egyptian, Ahmed Fathi as new head Coach

    Shabana FC unveils Egyptian, Ahmed Fathi as new head Coach

    Kisii-based Shabana FC has appointed Egyptian tactician Ahmed Fathi Abdalla Ibrahim as the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026/2027 FKF Premier League season.

    Fathi, a CAF A Licence holder, previously served as the head coach of Ghanaian side Swedru All Blacks in the just-concluded season.

    The 40 year old Egyptian also served as a long-term assistant coach at Ismaily SC of Egypt and  El Bank El Ahly and takes over from Peter Okidi.

    Fathi’s unveilling took place on Friday at the Nyayo stadium alongside his assistant first assistant Hesbon Nyabinge and Hatagekimana Corneille who is the new strength and Conditioning Coach.

    Current Shabana assistant coach Andrea Ongwae, who holds a CAF Licence B, will serve as the 2nd assistant coach.

    Goalkeeping coach David Juma will continue serving  in his role, while Elijah Sani retains his role as the Team Manager.

    Shabana FC finished 5th in the recently concluded Premier League season with 52 points.

  • FIFA World Cup: 19 teams confirmed in the round of 32, 13 slots to be sealed

    FIFA World Cup: 19 teams confirmed in the round of 32, 13 slots to be sealed

    After an entertaining, action-packed 15 days of the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, 19 teams have already booked their tickets in the round of 32, with the remaining slots set to be determined by Sunday morning at the conclusion of the group fixtures.

    African representatives, among them 2022 semifinalists Morocco, Ivory Coast, and South Africa, earned their places in the last 32 after finishing 2nd in their groups and will be joined by co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.

    Other nations that have sailed through are defending champions Argentina; 4-time champions Germany, France, Switzerland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina; and 5-time champions Brazil, Australia, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Norway, and Colombia.

    More slots will be determined on match day 16 as 2-time champions France takes on Norway in Boston in a group I encounter from 10pm, which will decide who tops the group.

    The Teranga Lions of Senegal will have all to play for against Iraq in Toronto in another Group I fixture on Friday at 10pm, after both sides lost their opening two matches.

    Entertaining debutants Cape Verde will face Saudi Arabia in the 3am group H fixture with all to play for while Spain battles Uruguay in Guadalajara, in another simultaneous encounter.

    The action will shift to group G early on Saturday as Egypt and Iran face off in group G while Belgium goes toe-to-toe against New Zealand in both 6am kickoffs.

    FIFA World Cup Day 16 Fixtures

    Group I: France vs Norway—10pm EAT, Boston

    Group I: Senegal vs Iraq—10pm EAT, Boston

    Group H: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia—3am Houston

    Group H: Spain vs. Uruguay – 3am – Guadalajara

    Group G: Egypt vs. Iran—6 am, Seattle

    Group G: Belgium vs. New Zealand, BC Place, Vancouver

  • The steady growth of Tennis Sport

    The steady growth of Tennis Sport

    Tennis continues to be among the most viewed and celebrated sports worldwide, captivating millions of fans across various continents with its mix of athletic prowess, excitement, and tradition.

    From the renowned grass courts of the Wimbledon Championships to the vibrant atmosphere of the US Open, the sport consistently offers unforgettable moments that cross both borders and generations.
    Unlike numerous team sports, tennis focuses entirely on individual athletes.

    Competitors must depend solely on their own physical stamina, technical skills, and mental toughness as they face opponents in matches that can change dramatically from one point to the next.

    Experts suggest that this distinctive blend of skill and strategy is a key reason why tennis maintains a devoted global following.

    Each match poses a unique challenge, requiring players to adjust their tactics on the fly while coping with the intense psychological pressures of competition.

    The sport’s allure has been further enhanced by its all-year-round schedule, which guides fans across Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East through a succession of esteemed tournaments.

    This ongoing sequence of events keeps audiences captivated throughout the entire season. Tennis has also gained from the rise of a fresh wave of stars who are propelling the sport into a new era.

    Locally Angela Okutoyi has been sensational ranking 486th in the World Tennis association (WTA) and placed 870th in the international tennis federation (ITF) a true testament of the steady growth of the sport.

    Ismael Changawa is amongst the top ranked male Kenyan tennis players currently ranked 1738 in the ITF rankings.

    Their competitions, accomplishments, and personal narratives have attracted younger viewers while keeping the attention of long-standing fans.

    Sports experts note that tennis combines tradition with innovation in a way few sports can match. While historic venues and long-standing customs remain central to its identity, advances in technology, broadcasting, and player development continue to modernize the game.

    As major tournaments continue to attract global attention and new talent emerges on the international stage, tennis appears well positioned to maintain its status as one of the world’s premier spectator sports for years to come.

    As the International Tennis Federation (ITF) officially rebrands to World Tennis effective 25th June 2026, every tennis stakeholder globally is optimistic of the growth of the sport and better tiding ahead.

    The change forms part of a phased transition intended to give the global governing body a clearer, more accessible and more recognisable identity.

  • Gor Mahia lands Ksh30M sponsorship from Kansai Plascon

    Gor Mahia lands Ksh30M sponsorship from Kansai Plascon

    FKF Kenyan Premier League Champions Gor Mahia have received a major boost after sponsors Kansai Plasscon inked a Ksh 30M three-year deal on Friday.

    The deal is on top of the existing one-year sponsorship they signed with the 22nd time Kenyan Premier League champions last December.

    Speaking during the event in Nairobi, Kansai Plascon Kenya Managing Director, Enami Kota, further pledged Ksh 1.5M in support towards the club’s preparations for next season’s CAF Champions League assignment.

    “As Gor Mahia partner, we appreciate your hard work in the just-concluded season. It was the first year of the sponsorship, and you had won the league. You are going for a continental exposure and as Plascon, we are operating in 17 countries in Africa, I understand the burden of being in the continental,the cost will be high,” stated Kota

    The paint company further unveiled a Wall Cover campaign with a special edition of K’Ogalo Wall Cover that will run for four months, starting July, where a portion of the sales proceeds will be channelled to the Gor Mahia CAF Champions League fund.

    “We are running a promotion in the paint business; we have the Wall Cover brand. We will announce a special edition of the K’Ogalo Wall Cover. A Portion of the sales will be contributed to the Gor team as a fund drive for the CAF Champions League because we understand it is expensive to play in the tournament,” Kota said.

    Gor were also rewarded Ksh 1M for winning the league title.

  • Kenya hosts AI summit as Africa pushes for digital sovereignty

    Kenya hosts AI summit as Africa pushes for digital sovereignty

    An ambitious push to position East Africa as a global artificial intelligence powerhouse officially kicked off in Nairobi on Tuesday with the opening of the inaugural AI Everything Kenya × GITEX at the Sarit Expo Centre.

    The three-day event brings together government officials, investors, innovators, policymakers and technology firms to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in Africa.

    Organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events, in partnership with the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology of the Republic of Kenya, the summit is expected to shape regional conversations around AI adoption, investment, and digital sovereignty.

    Speaking during the opening ceremony, Philip Thigo said Africa must treat artificial intelligence as an economic and investment opportunity rather than purely a technology issue.

    “Africa’s role in AI must be articulated as an investment agenda. AI is not about ICT; AI is literally AI everything,” Thigo said.

    He noted that although the continent still faces challenges in AI infrastructure, connectivity, and energy, Africa possesses key resources needed to drive the global AI economy, including minerals, talent, data, and emerging compute infrastructure.

    “The Silicon Savanna has come of age,” he added. “Africa is open for business, open for investment, and ready to shape the future of artificial intelligence.”

    More than 400 senior executives, investors, and policymakers attended the summit, where discussions focused on how AI can transform sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, banking, cybersecurity, education, climate resilience, energy, and trade.

    Speakers at the summit stressed the need for AI systems that are accessible, inclusive, and designed around African realities.

    Nkundwe Mwasaga said East African countries must collaborate with global partners to strengthen digital skills, research, cybersecurity, innovation, and telecommunications infrastructure.

    “The transformation of businesses, industries, and economies will lead to digital sovereignty in our region,” he said.

    A key topic during the summit was how African countries can maintain control over their digital ecosystems while still participating in global technology networks.

    During a panel discussion on digital sovereignty, Snehar Shah said Kenya is well-positioned to become a regional AI hub due to its regulatory framework, renewable energy potential, and growing cloud infrastructure.

    “Kenya is very well positioned. We have pragmatic regulation, we have data protection frameworks, we have renewable power, and we are now bringing hyperscale cloud infrastructure into the country,” Shah said.

    Technology firms also highlighted the importance of ensuring African countries maintain control over data, AI systems, and computing infrastructure.

    Senthil Kumar said digital sovereignty now goes beyond where data is stored.

    “It is really about who controls the data, who controls the AI, and where the compute happens,” he said.

    The summit also explored how African governments can develop national AI strategies and build local capacity through research, training, and innovation.

    Lourinho Chamane called for African countries to invest in local AI talent and language models to ensure digital inclusion.

    “Building capacity on AI development and entrepreneurship is important for countries not to be only consumers of AI products and services, but also producers and contributors to the digital economy,” Chamane said.

    Commercialisation of AI technologies was another major focus, with speakers warning that Africa risks falling behind unless local innovations move beyond pilot programmes into scalable businesses.

    Winnie Mangeni said East Africa is already laying the groundwork to become a serious player in the global AI market.

    “East Africa is not waiting to be a consumer of AI; it is actively building the infrastructure, talent, and policy frameworks to lead,” she said.

    The event forms part of the expanding GITEX global technology network, which now hosts events across 14 countries.

    Trixie LohMirmand said East Africa has the potential to become a globally competitive AI and infrastructure hub.

    “AI is no longer a technology shift; we are talking about a new geopolitical and economic restructuring,” she said.

    AI Everything Kenya expo is happening at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, where exhibitors and technology companies are expected to showcase AI-driven solutions across multiple sectors.

  • Canadians Rogers and Eztberg dominated the throws at Kip Keino

    Canadians Rogers and Eztberg dominated the throws at Kip Keino

    Olympic hammer throw champions Camryn Rogers and Ethan Katzeberg, both from Canada, set meetings and world leads, respectively, in Friday’s Absa Kip Keino Classic World Continental Tour at Nyayo Stadium.

    Camryn took the lead with a 77.53m throw on her third attempt, following two fouls, and then improved her distance to 78.60m before concluding her day with a spectacular 80.03m throw, which set a new meeting record.

    Rose Loga of France came in second with a 75.19-meter throw, while Iceland’s Gudrun Hallgrimsdottir finished third with 73.88-meter.

    Rogers said she used the Kenyan meet as part of her Commonwealth preparations.

    “It’s been amazing a meet record, and I’m satisfied. It is my second time here, and if you guys have me back next year, I’ll be excited. The atmosphere has been exciting for sure. I’m focusing on the Commonwealth Games; that’s my main event of the year.”stated Rogers

    In the men’s hammer, Katzberg threw a world-leading 82.43m to win ahead of Ukraine’s Mykhaylo Kokhan (81.26m) and Czechia’s Volodymyr Myslyvchuk (77.71m).