Mount Kenya University has once again reaffirmed its leadership in sports excellence after its woodball players played a pivotal role in Kenya’s outstanding performance at the 2026 World Woodball Championship in Perlis, Malaysia.
MKU contributed 10 of the 15 players in Kenya’s national woodball team, reaffirming its position as one of the country’s leading universities in sports excellence. The university’s dominance in the national squad reflects its sustained investment in talent development and competitive sports.
The championship, held from 24th to 29th July 2026 at the University of Malaysia Perlis City Campus, brought together elite woodball players from 14 countries. Kenya delivered one of its strongest performances on the global stage, winning one silver medal and six bronze medals, further cementing the country’s growing reputation in international woodball.
Indonesia emerged as the overall champions after collecting four gold, two silver and one bronze medal.
Kenya Clinches Silver in Thrilling Men’s Fairway Doubles Final
Kenya’s best performance came in the Men’s Fairway Doubles, where Ben Petros Moseti and David Wairimu Mungai advanced to the final against Indonesia. After a tightly contested match ended in a 4-4 draw, the title was decided through a penalty shootout. Kenya narrowly lost 2-1, settling for a well-earned silver medal.
Six Bronze Medals Showcase Kenya’s Growing Strength
Kenya added six bronze medals across several categories, highlighting the team’s depth and consistency:
• David Wairimu Mungai and Jamiah Khalid in the Men’s Singles Fairway event.
• Ezra Moseti and David Sang Ebenezer in the Men’s Fairway Doubles.
• Dorcas Murithi and Jamiah Khalid in the Women’s Open Doubles.
• The Men’s Team comprising Ezra Moseti, David Sang Ebenezer, Ben Petros Moseti, and David Wairimu Mungai.
• Kenya’s Women’s Fairway Team also secured a bronze medal.
The medal haul underscored Kenya’s continued progress on the international stage and the significant contribution of MKU athletes to the national team’s success.
The national team’s participation was funded by the Ministry of Sports, while Mount Kenya University sponsored the team’s training programme and local transport, providing crucial support in the build-up to the championship.
Mr. William Luta, Head of Logistics and Technicals for Team Kenya and Head of Sports and Creative Arts at Mount Kenya University, described the performance as encouraging despite narrowly missing the team’s gold medal ambitions.
“This has been a very good performance, even though it fell short of our targets. We expected gold in several categories, but the team fell slightly short of the international expertise utilized by their competitors,” he said.
Mr. Luta also thanked Coach Mboya for his dedication and invaluable contribution to the team’s preparations.
Team captain David Sang Ebenezer equally acknowledged MKU’s support, noting that the university’s investment in training and athlete development played a pivotal role in the team’s achievements at the world championship.
Eyes Set on Future Global Competitions
Following the encouraging results in Malaysia, Kenya Woodball Federation President Antony Mwanzia and Secretary General Samuel Litaba called for sustained government support to increase the team’s international exposure and competitiveness.c
The federation has now shifted its focus to preparations for the 2028 Beach World Cup and the 11th Woodball World Cup in 2030, with the aim of converting strong performances into world titles.
Kenya’s impressive showing in Malaysia not only highlighted the country’s emergence as a force in international woodball but also reaffirmed Mount Kenya University’s status as a powerhouse in nurturing elite athletes who continue to represent Kenya with distinction on the global stage.