The Kenya Federation of American Football (KFAF) will stage its inaugural Playoff Championship at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, marking a major step in expanding American football within Kenyan universities.
The championship will run alongside the KUSF Playoff B Championship, a strategic move aimed at exposing the sport to a wider university audience and accelerating its growth across institutions.
Only the top four men’s teams and four women’s teams have qualified, setting up a high-stakes, winner-takes-all showdown where university pride and national recognition are on the line.
A Bigger Stage for the Sport
Sunday’s finals coincide with the closing day of the KUSF playoffs, when multiple university finals and the official closing ceremony will take place. With crowds from various sporting events expected to converge at the venue, organizers anticipate over 1,000 spectators, creating one of the largest audiences American football has seen at the university level in Kenya.
The atmosphere promises intensity, energy, and a powerful introduction of the sport to new fans.
Players Ready for the Moment
University of Nairobi captain Griffin Kisanya welcomed the pressure heading into the championship.
“I like pressure, and I want to assure our fans that we will give our best to win it all,” he said confidently ahead of the showdown.
JKUAT, double champions from the Nairobi regional tournament, arrive with momentum and belief. Team captain Ian Seboru expressed optimism about their chances.
“We’ve done this before. It feels like déjà vu to me. We’ll go out there and ball,” he said.
Leadership and Vision
Members of the KFAF executive committee will be in attendance, underscoring the importance of the moment for the federation and the sport’s future in Kenya.
KFAF President George Alwanga reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to expanding university participation following successful engagements with university sports directors across the country.
“This is the sport I fell in love with. It built me, and I am proud to see its growth across institutions. Our goal is to expand beyond Nairobi and reach more than 20 university teams next season,” he said.
KFAF President pose for a photo with Director Sport Daystar University
A Turning Point for University American Football
The inaugural playoff championship represents more than a competition. It signals a new phase for American football in Kenya, where structured university leagues, growing talent pools, and institutional support are beginning to align.
As the best teams battle for glory at Catholic University, the event stands as both a celebration of progress and a preview of the sport’s expanding future across Kenyan campuses.