Kfaf Launches Historic High School Flag Football Pilot Program In Kenya

KFAF Launches Historic High School Flag Football Pilot Program in Kenya

Chavakali High School, Vihiga County — Kenya Federation of American Football (KFAF), in partnership with NFL International and Touchdown Sports, successfully hosted Kenya’s first-ever high school flag football pilot program. Held at Chavakali High School, this groundbreaking two-day event marked a significant milestone in the introduction of American football to Kenyan youth.

The initiative, which is part of KFAF’s long-term vision to integrate flag football into school sports across the country, attracted 10 enthusiastic schools from the Western Kenya region, with plans to reach 20 schools in total by the end of the pilot phase in June.

 

Empowering Coaches and Teachers — Day 1

The first day focused on capacity-building for high school games teachers. These sessions, led by internationally certified coaches Coach Waweru and Coach Bahati, featured intensive training on the fundamentals of flag football. The educators received technical skills, drills, and rule explanations necessary to begin implementing the sport in their respective schools.

NFL International generously sponsored equipment and educational materials, while Touchdown Sports financed the logistics, including travel, meals, and accommodation for participating coaches. The event’s high standards reflect a growing global interest in nurturing American football talent from the grassroots level.

Student Engagement and Friendly Scrimmages — Day 2

The second day was all about student participation. Fun, engaging scrimmages and learning activities introduced students to the basics of flag football in an exciting, inclusive environment. It was an opportunity for boys and girls to play side by side, reflecting the sport’s inclusive nature and Olympic aspirations.

Official Launch and Local Leadership Support

The program was officially launched by Chavakali High School’s Chief Principal, Mr. Wachilonga, who praised KFAF’s decision to use the school as the launchpad for high school-level American football in Kenya.

“I am thrilled to see Chavakali alumni, Mr. Alwanga, at the helm of this great initiative,” said Mr. Wachilonga. “I encourage our students to emulate such leadership and excellence. This is not just a sport—it’s a gateway to global opportunities.”

Voices of Support from Educators

Fred Okere, Games Teacher at Vihiga High School, described the experience as transformative:
"This is a sport of golden moments. It promotes diversity and inclusion in our schools. I am inspired to pursue officiating in flag football and champion it beyond our school.”

Mr. Okere was not alone in his enthusiasm. The Principal of Kimobo Mixed Secondary School shared his excitement as well:
"Flag football is an inclusive sport. As a mixed school, we are eager to field both boys' and girls' teams and lead our region to the national and international stage."

Participating Schools

The schools represented during this historic event included:

• Chavakali High School (Host)
• Vihiga Boys
• Musingu Boys
• Bishop Sulumeti
• Madira Girls
• Kaimosi Girls
• Senende Boys
• Kimobo Mixed (Mt. Elgon)
• Esalwa Boys High School
• Mundika Boys
• Keveye Girls
• Kaptik High School
• Kivaywa Secondary (added on Day 2)

Looking Ahead: Building a National Movement

KFAF President, Mr. Alwanga, shared plans to expand the initiative nationwide:
"We will continue to host training clinics throughout the year for interested schools. Our goal is to organize regional tournaments in August, leading up to the inaugural National High School Flag Football Championship."

Coach Bahati will lead the coaches’ education program, while Coach Waweru takes charge of developing officiating standards across high school programs.

 

Gratitude to Our Partners

KFAF extends its sincere thanks to NFL International, Touchdown Sports, Chavakali High School, our lead coordinator Mr. Walumbe, and all participating teachers and coaches for their dedication and collaboration. This is a shared victory for sports development in Kenya.

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Interested Schools Can Join the Movement

If your school is interested in introducing flag football to your students, please sign up using the link below:

Click to sign up https://forms.gle/PME7CZF9Wtd8ML2S6

 

Together, let’s build the future of sports.