NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi is set to host a landmark Global Esports Cup event in 2027 after Kenya was selected as the Global Esports Federation’s (GEF) strategic esports hub in Africa.
The announcement follows a high-level visit to Kenya by GEF President and CEO Sir Paul J. Foster, who held talks with government officials, the Esports Kenya Federation (ESKF), private-sector stakeholders and other players in the local gaming industry.
Following a statement released after Foster’s meeting with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya is officially preparing to host Africa’s first-ever Global Esports Cup in Nairobi.
The development places Kenya at the centre of the federation’s efforts to expand esports on the continent while opening new opportunities for players, content creators, broadcasters, event organisers and technology companies.
Mudavadi welcomed the decision and assured the GEF of government support as Kenya prepares for the competition.
The event is expected to bring international competitors, officials, fans and other esports stakeholders to Nairobi, giving the city an opportunity to position itself alongside established global gaming destinations.
The Nairobi announcement builds on efforts by the ESKF to develop competitive gaming and create clearer pathways for Kenyan players to participate in international competitions.
Before Foster’s visit, ESKF President Ronny Lusigi said the engagement would provide an opportunity to advance discussions around Kenya’s capacity to host international esports events.
“Sir Paul’s visit presents an important opportunity to advance discussions around Kenya’s esports events hosting capacity, talent development pathways and the long-term collaboration between the Global Esports body and Kenyan stakeholders across government, academia and the private sector,” Lusigi said.
The federation has been working with government and private-sector partners to expand the local ecosystem, including discussions around dedicated esports facilities and a modern arena capable of hosting major international competitions.
Kenya’s growing technology infrastructure, large youth population and established gaming community have helped strengthen its case as a potential regional esports centre.
The planned Nairobi event will also connect esports with Kenya’s wider creative economy, including tourism, digital content, broadcasting, marketing and event management.
The announcement comes as Kenyan players continue to build a presence in international esports. The country recently secured qualification in three titles for the 2026 Global Esports Games in Los Angeles.
Shirley Ndirangu qualified in the women’s eFootball category, while Martin Kibiwot secured the open eFootball slot. Kenya also qualified a five-person NBA 2K contingent comprising Guya, Bryan, Prince and Bobby, alongside coach Kinta.
The eFootball contingent has also delivered results on the continental stage. Brothers Martin Kibiwot and Daniel Kibiwot represented Kenya at the 2026 FIFAe Continental Championship in Casablanca, Morocco, where the Kenyan team reached the top four in the eFootball Console competition.
Other established names have helped raise Kenya’s profile in competitive gaming, including Sylvia “Queen Arrow” Gathoni, one of the country’s best-known fighting-game players.
The growth of the professional scene has also created opportunities beyond players themselves. Commentators, coaches, tournament organisers, streamers, producers, broadcasters and content creators form part of the wider esports economy.
Kenya’s selection comes as esports continues to develop from a gaming subculture into a global entertainment and sporting industry.
The GEF describes the Global Esports Tour as a series of professional esports tournaments staged in cities around the world and contested by professional athletes and teams. Its official events calendar lists previous Tour activity in cities including Rio de Janeiro, while its flagship Global Esports Games has been staged in locations including Istanbul, Riyadh and Mumbai.
The federation also identifies the Global Esports Cup as part of its flagship Global Esports Games property.
Hosting a major GEF event will bring international audiences to Kenya, expose local players to stronger competition, and create commercial opportunities around the tournament.
The government and esports stakeholders are also looking at the sector as part of the country’s digital and creative economy.
Discussions during Foster’s visit included government agencies, the Kenya Tourism Board and private-sector partners. The GEF has also highlighted opportunities to connect esports with tourism and Kenya’s youth and creative economy.
The Kenya Tourism Board is now part of a strategic partnership with the ESKF and GEF aimed at using international esports events and digital broadcasts to promote the Magical Kenya brand to the global gaming audience.
The planned event would give Nairobi a chance to compete for attention with cities that have already become established destinations for major esports tournaments.
Kenya’s immediate challenge will be turning the announcement into a sustainable esports infrastructure capable of supporting international-level competition. That includes venues, reliable connectivity, production facilities, player development programmes, sponsorship and stronger professional pathways for local competitors.
The ESKF has said the government engagement should help create stronger links between Kenyan stakeholders and the international esports movement.
