Kenya Hockey Union optimistic about 2026 after gradual growth last year
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Reading Time: 4min | Mon. 05.01.26. | 17:14
A highlight of 2025 has been the continued integration of the Masters League, designed to engage older players aged up to 80, leveraging their experience, leadership, and professional skills to benefit clubs and national structures
The 2025 hockey season in Kenya was one of expansion, ambition, and laying the foundations for sustained growth, according to Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Secretary General Wycliffe Ongori.
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Re-elected to his position in July with overwhelming support from the delegates, Ongori reflects on a year of remarkable progress, challenges, and hope for the future.
“When we were elected in 2018, we had only six counties actively participating in hockey,” recalls Ongori. “Today, we are at 19 counties and counting. That growth brings its own challenges, but it’s a sign that the sport is thriving.”
Under the current leadership, KHU runs six leagues, including the newly established Masters League. These comprise two Premier Leagues for men and women, two Super Leagues for men and women, and three national leagues across Western, Eastern, and Central Kenya.
A total of 76 teams participated in 2025, spanning regions as far-flung as Kapsabet, Migori, Kisii, Makueni, and Kirinyaga.
“This geographical expansion is exciting,” notes Ongori. “It reflects the growth of hockey beyond traditional strongholds, though it comes with challenges, particularly in maintaining competitiveness.
Initially, the cream might not rise immediately, but over time, the best will always come through.”
Ongori emphasises the importance of coaching and umpiring at the grassroots level, noting that as these systems improve, the quality and sustainability of the leagues will continue to rise.
The Masters League: Experience Meets Growth
A highlight of 2025 has been the continued integration of the Masters League, designed to engage older players aged up to 80, leveraging their experience, leadership, and professional skills to benefit clubs and national structures.
“The Masters League allows players who are financially stable and career-wise accomplished to return to the sport they love,” explains Ongori.
“They bring invaluable experience, leadership, and management skills that help clubs and, eventually, the national teams. Their engagement also attracts families and sponsors, which is crucial for growth.”
The Masters teams have represented Kenya internationally, including trips to the World Cup in Cape Town and Johannesburg, often self-funded. Ongori believes their involvement will be key in creating a sustainable and dynamic hockey ecosystem in Kenya.
National Team Performance and Opportunities
Kenya’s national teams had a mixed year in 2025. The senior women’s team earned a bronze medal at the African Championships in Egypt, while the men narrowly missed out on a podium finish. The under-21 team, however, failed to qualify for the World Cup.
“These are lost opportunities, but they also provide lessons,” says Ongori. “We are conducting a forensic analysis to understand what went wrong and how we can improve moving forward. The potential is there; it just needs careful planning and execution.”
Ongori highlights KHU’s commitment to strengthening the women’s national team through a grant from the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K).
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Spread over four years at approximately $12,500 per year, these funds will go toward coaching, preparation, and overall team development.
Infrastructure remains a central focus for the national governing body. New pitches have been established in areas previously underserved, including Makueni, Kirinyaga, Narok, Migori, and Kisumu, enhancing accessibility and grassroots participation.
“The pitch is fundamental,” stresses Ongori. “We are working with partners such as the Ministry of Sports, Elgon, FIH, and the African Hockey Federation to replenish the worn-out turf and ensure quality facilities.
With these improvements, we can adequately prepare our national teams and grow the sport at all levels.”
Looking ahead, Ongori projects an ambitious vision for Kenyan hockey. KHU aims to expand team numbers beyond 100, increase competitiveness through structured coaching, and leverage the Masters League for leadership and sponsorship opportunities.
Preparations for the Olympics will also begin in earnest, focusing on giving Kenya a strong presence on the international stage.
“The next five, ten, fifteen years look bright,” says Ongori confidently. “Whether I am in office or not, I see goodwill, growth, and an engaged hockey community.
We are bringing families back into the sport, ensuring sustainability, and inspiring younger players to see hockey as a lifelong pursuit.”
Ongori’s message is clear: Kenyan hockey is entering a period of strategic growth, with the Masters League, national team development, and infrastructure investment forming the backbone of this expansion.
In 2026, KHU is poised to strengthen its leagues, elevate its teams, and position Kenya as a competitive force in African hockey.
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