Kenya Taekwondo Federation President Major (Rtd.)Suleiman Sumba (4th from right) presents the overall trophy won by the Kenya Under-21 Team during the just concluded Korean Ambassador’s Cup in Kampala to the Principal Sports Officer, Department of Sports in the Ministry of Sports, Jackson Munywoki (3rd from right). This was during the unveiling of the Under-21 Taekwondo National Team to represent the country during next month’s World Under 21 Taekwondo Championship in Nairobi.
By Peace Muthoka.
Nairobi, Kenya – November 11, 2025: Kenya has confirmed its full readiness to host the upcoming World Under-21 Taekwondo Championships, positioning Nairobi at the center of global attention as preparations near completion. Over 140 countries are expected to participate in the prestigious event, which will run under the sustainability banner, “Taekwondo Values for Climate Action.”
The Kenya Taekwondo Federation (KTF), through the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, unveiled Team Kenya a strong 16-member squad of eight men and eight women who will represent the nation in the championship later this year.
KTF President Major (Rtd) Suleiman Sumba assured the nation and the world of Kenya’s preparedness, following successful facility inspections and approval by World Taekwondo officials. The global body lauded Kenya’s venues for meeting world-class standards in organization, infrastructure, and technical readiness.
“Kenya is ready. Our athletes, venues, and systems have all met international benchmarks. Hosting the world under the theme ‘Taekwondo Values for Climate Action’ demonstrates how sport can drive both human excellence and environmental awareness,” said Major Sumba.
He added that the championship aligns with Kenya’s national greening agenda, which targets the planting of 15 billion trees by 2032. As part of that effort, KTF recently launched the #KenyaYetuMsituWetu initiative, aiming to plant 11,000 trees across the country.
Team Kenya is already in a high-performance residential training camp ahead of the African Series Championships in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, scheduled for November 15. The competition will serve as a final test before the global event. “Our team is in top form and ready to make Kenya proud as they prepare to defend home ground,” Sumba emphasized.
The Nairobi-hosted championships will attract more than 1,000 athletes, coaches, and officials from across the world, including South Korea, Brazil, Russia, Israel, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa. This reinforces Kenya’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s most capable hosts of large-scale international sporting events.
Representing the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Principal Sports Officer Jackson Munywoki commended the KTF’s leadership and integration of sustainability into the event’s design. “This championship showcases Kenya’s rising stature in global sport management. It reflects our commitment to using sport as a tool for youth empowerment, economic growth, and environmental stewardship,” said Munywoki.
KTF confirmed that logistical arrangements including athlete accreditation, transport, and venue setup are in their final stages. “Our partnership with World Taekwondo and local stakeholders ensures every aspect meets international standards. Kenya is ready to deliver a world-class championship marked by excellence, security, and hospitality,” assured Major Sumba.
Through its sustainability partner, the TBL (Tenants Become Landlords) Go Green Initiative, KTF plans to make the championship fully carbon-neutral. The partnership integrates tree planting, green energy use, and community-led eco-activities under the “Taekwondo Values for Climate Action” banner.
Jeff Kefa, Director of the TBL Go Green Initiative, underscored the importance of sustainability at the heart of the competition. “This event proves that sport can lead the global climate action agenda. Every match and every medal will leave a positive imprint on the planet,” he said.
Meanwhile, media accreditation is now open through the official registration portal, welcoming both local and international journalists to cover this historic event as Kenya readies to host the world.
