Kenya Gateball Federation

WORLD REFUGEE DAY 2026 EDITION: PROMOTING SPORTS (Gateball) AS PLATFORM FOR PEACE & COHESION

20th June 2026:

World Refugee Day is an international observance held globally on June 20 every year to honor the strength, courage, and resilience of millions of people who have been forced to flee their home countries to escape conflict or persecution.

Established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2000, the day provides a vital opportunity to build global empathy and raise awareness about the challenges faced by displaced individuals. It focuses on the fundamental right to seek safety, dignity, and a secure future.

At Kenya Gateball Federation (KGF) we have partnered with Ni Wakati Sports Africa, A local grassroot sports organization to commemorate the special day. We shall be introducing GATEBALL to the Refugee community appreciating that sports are apolitical and a universal language that cuts across age, gender, religion and social status.

Part of our day engagement will also involve supporting a tree planting initiative within the community. For Refugees, many of whom have lost homes, land and roots; planting a tree is deeply symbolic. Each tree planted will represent renewal, stability and a future restored.

Through promoting GATEBALL amongst the refugee community from various countries, we hope to break language barriers, fostering teamwork by allowing individuals from vastly different cultural and linguistic backgrounds to communicate and collaborate effectively building essential social networks.

Our mantra at Kenya Gateball Federation remains: "Gateball is chess on grass; it is won with the mind long before it is won with the mallet."

Kevin Kibe
President: Kenya Gateball Federation
E-mail: [email protected]

GATEBALL “gates” opening in GHANA

GATEBALL is one of the Emerging Sports that is rapidly transforming the global landscape, blending physical agility with digital entertainment and enhanced accessibility. We are organically developing the sport across Africa with Cote d’ Ivoire, Uganda, Ghana and Kenya taking leads in developing the sport in their respective countries.

Thanks brother Samuel Gyasi in Ghana for opening GATEBALL “gate” and exploring areas of blending the rich African socializing culture, dance and Gateball session.

Part of Ubuntu spirit is regular touch base across all Africa member countries and having a laugh and chat on areas that can accelerate GATEBALL development.

AFRICA COUNTRIES GATEBALL CONNECT

Kenya, being the co-ordinating secretariat is pleased to inform ALL Africa member countries of our June online “Gateball gate meet” in coming days.

Gateball being a cross-generational sport brings on board ALL ages. After all the old African adage “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” Never truer!

Kiarie Mwangi
Secretary General – Kenya Gateball Federation
Email: [email protected]

STRENGHENING FEDERATION’S GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES: KENYA GATEBALL FEDERATION (KGF) ROUND-TABLE INVITATION BY SPORTS MINISTRY

The Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF) is a department within Ministry of Sports mandated to provide funding to support the development and promotion of sports and arts, and the promotion of social development

At Kenya Gateball Federation (KGF), we remain humbled at the invitation amongst over 100 registered federations to be part of stakeholder’s engagement on various issues inter-alia;

a. Governance structures that make it easier to apply for government funding

b. Financial processes that ensure compliance with laid out procedures as per public finance management regulations, 2018.

c. Exploring areas of mutual partnership and collaboration between Sports Ministry and federations.

We sort and got audience with Ministry leadership regards Customs and Taxation exemptions on imported of Sports Equipment. This remains critical to GATEBALL development.

Our submissions touched on Sports Diplomacy and Sports Tourism appreciating that Sports is apolitical and a universal language that cuts across gender, religion and even social status!

We are making small steps and BIG strides in packaging and positioning GATEBALL brand in Kenya. God willing Africa shall be a major stakeholder by 2028 and yes, a continental championship may just be the icebreaker.

Kevin Kibe
President – Kenya Gateball Federation
E-mail: [email protected]

WORLD DAY OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: GATEBALL ENGAGEMENT – KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

World Day of Physical Activity is celebrated annually on April 6 to promote movement for better global health, with 2026 events highlighting the need to combat sedentary lifestyles. Celebrations often include public walks, sports events, and community activities designed to encourage daily exercise, reducing risks of chronic diseases.

Theme – 2026: "Green April".

Department of Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science at Kenyatta University organized the event in conjunction with UNESCO. The Kenya Gateball Federation’s President received warm welcome from Dr. Jane Kamau, Head of Department and gave an introductory speech at the start of the function.

We remain grateful for the one (1) hour allocation to demonstrate and engage invited guests, university staff and other sporting disciplines to GATEBALL experience. Amazing experience!

Special thanks to UNESCO team led by Mr. Hugue Ngandeu Ngatta – Program Specialist for social and human science, Nairobi for the enthusiasm to participate.

Special thanks to Prof. Caroline Thoruwa – Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Outreach) for not only participating but leading University staff and students in embracing GATEBALL. At Kenya Gateball Federation (KGF), such goodwill and interest drive us to popularize the sport.

We could not have left the University without planting a tree in alignment to the “Green April” theme. We are cognizant of global focus towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s);

SDG No. 3: Good health and well-being
SDG No. 13: Climate action
SDG 17: Partnerships to achieve the goals.

We are continuously packaging and positioning brand GATEBALL to Kenyans!

Kevin Kibe
President – Kenya Gateball Federation
E-mail: [email protected]

GATEBALL: THE “glue” THAT IS CONNECTING AFRICA

Friday, 10th April 2026 will remain memorable in GATEBALL development in Africa. Four (4) African countries on a round-table online session;

Kenya – Mr. Kevin Kibe
Uganda – Mr. Robert Bakaze
Ghana – Mr. Samuel Gyasi
Cote de Ivoire – Mr. Zangbe Pierre

Agenda:

(a) Formally e -meeting each other as GATEBALL ambassadors across Africa.

(b) Current state of GATEBALL in Africa ( Federations and activities to popularize the sport)

(c) Reflection and proposals for exploring areas of mutual partnership and collaborations.

(d) Common challenges slowing GATEBALL development.

i. Lack of GATEBALL equipment. Major hindrance.
ii. Government bureaucratic registration processes
iii. Limited support from Sports ministries and corporates – being a new sport

The energy and synergy is at 150% to organically develop the sport. Mr. Zangbe crosses border to deliver equipment to Mr. Gyasi in Ghana to promote the about 40-players. Mr. Bakaze “Robby” has invited Kenya to cross borders for a GATEBALL engage in coming months.

It was agreed to be having once-a-month meeting aptly themed “GATEBALL AFRICA”

The beginning to an amazing journey has started.

Session moderator / Joint Secretary,
Kiarie Mwangi,
E-mail: [email protected]

6th April - World Day of Physical Activity 🥳
This year we celebrate this day by Introducing Gateball to Kenyatta University community and you can be part of it.

Join us to get the Gateball Experience from top Coach Kelvin Kibe 💪✨

Karibuniii!!!!

MARCH 2026: GATEBALL TRAINING SESSION

The Nairobi weather was warm and inviting. The happy smiles on the team. The energy & synergy at 101%.

We are organically growing. Every training session bringing new member. We are making small strides and big steps!

You wish to learn more about GATEBALL?

Drop us an e-mail: [email protected]

GATEBALL: “TAKING CARE OF OUR LEGS”

Gateball is a fast-paced, strategic team sport that combines coordination, teamwork, and tactical thinking. Gateball encourages mobility through player movement on and off the field.

Why stretching your legs is important:

1. As you age, you must always keep your feet and legs strong.
2. Strong leg muscles are the most important muscles and a marker of longevity.
3. Studies show that people of all ages who remain inactive for two weeks can lose one‑quarter of their leg muscle strength, equivalent to aging 20 to 30 years.
4. The entire body’s weight rests on the legs.
5. The body uses the feet to bear its weight; 50% of a person’s weight is in the bones, and 50% of the bones are in the legs. The legs carry 50% of the body’s nerves, 50% of the blood vessels, and 50% of the blood flow.
6. The body’s largest and strongest joints and bones are in the legs.
7. Those with healthy legs and feet have smooth blood circulation; those with strong leg muscles have a strong heart.
8. Human aging starts from the feet and moves upward.
9. Legs and feet age over time, but exercising them is a lifelong mission.

You have a group of 10-pax within your community and would wish to start GATEBALL?

Look no further! Drop us an e-mail: [email protected]

Kevin Kibe
President – Kenya Gateball Federation
+254 708 210 219

Catch the conversation!✨
Gateball takes the spotlight as we dive into the game, the passion, and the growing community behind it.

Tune in as we talk all things Gateball

Usikose!!!!!! 👉

Alafu baada ya hapo.... Join us this Friday on the 13th for our training session at kamulu grounds.

See you there!! 😉