On 23rd October, 2024, Kibabii University entered into a partnership with the Kenya Taekwondo Federation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This collaboration, facilitated by the University’s Center for Creative, Performing Arts & Sports (CECPAS), aligns with the KIBU’s strategy to build partnerships that enhance sports training, facilities, and student opportunities. CECPAS has been actively pursuing agreements with various stakeholders, including the Kenya Taekwondo Federation, to further its mission of supporting talent development and elevating the quality of sports infrastructure.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration, Finance, and Development) Prof. Donald Siamba presided over the MOU signing ceremony, accompanied by CECPAS Director Dr. Edwin Masibo. Prof. Siamba underscored the University’s commitment to nurturing sporting excellence, emphasizing the growing significance of sports as a major employment sector and an avenue for individual success. He highlighted that some of the wealthiest people globally are athletes, pointing to Kibabii University’s own contribution to the sport by sending an athlete, Faith Ogallo to the 2020 Olympics, where she was inducted into the prestigious Olympians for Life Hall of Fame.
Flanked by the Secretary General Mr. George Wasonga, the President of the Kenya Taekwondo Federation Major Suleiman Sumba expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, outlining its potential to professionalize the sport. He spoke of the Federation’s goal to standardize the certification of qualified coaches, which will help weed out rogue trainers and raise the overall standards of coaching in the country. He also shared the Federation’s aspirations for sustainability through resource mobilization and revealed that talks were underway with universities in Korea, with hopes that Kibabii University would be a key partner in these international discussions.
Dr. Edwin Masibo echoed the sentiments of both Prof. Siamba and Major Sumba, reaffirming CECPAS’s dedication to collaborating with sports federations and associations to nurture talent within the University. He mentioned the University’s interest in jointly developing curriculum with the Federation and engaging in collaborative research to advance the University’s sporting programs. Additionally, Dr. Masibo emphasized the importance of infrastructure development, expressing optimism that this partnership would yield long-term benefits for both Kibabii University and the Kenya Taekwondo Federation.
