Mombasa is fast becoming a hotspot for taekwondo talent, helping to raise the sport’s standards in Kenya, according to the Kenya Taekwondo Federation.
Secretary general George Wesonga said the federation is now focusing on the coastal city, citing its favourable conditions and a growing pool of promising athletes.
“With this kind of weather, it is easier to produce players from here. The weather favours them because of the low altitude. We are really focusing on Mombasa right now,” Wesonga said.
He noted that Mombasa has recently produced young, fast athletes who are increasingly challenging their Nairobi counterparts. He also pointed to a rise in commitment among the youth, which he believes will further lift standards.
“I think Mombasa should be the place that we should really focus and rely on,” he added.
Wesonga admitted Kenya’s performance on the international stage has been below par, prompting the federation to organise more competitions to scout and develop talent nationwide.
One such initiative is the Mombasa Taekwondo Chairman’s Cup, held at the Aga Khan Academy, which drew more than 300 participants across junior and senior categories.
From May, the federation will introduce monthly Moran Championships to ensure consistency in competition and athlete development.
“The more the athletes compete, the more they are exposed and the more they improve. Without competitions, there will be no improvement,” Wesonga said.
He added that the federation is also investing in training for coaches and referees, alongside partnerships with the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, which is offering scholarships to top athletes aged 18 to 24.
The selected athletes will train in leading academies abroad, including in Germany, as part of preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Kenya Taekwondo Federation secretary general George Wesonga at the Aga Khan Academy on Sunday / BRIAN OTIENOAt the Chairman’s Cup, Nairobi’s Regional Taekwondo Club emerged winners in the senior category, boosting their athletes’ chances of selection for the World Taekwondo Championships in South Korea in July.
Athletes Veronica Wanjiku and Samuel Onyango expressed confidence in improving on their previous performances at the Under-21 World Championships.
Wesonga said the high level of competition in Mombasa had boosted confidence in Team Kenya’s prospects.
“We are impressed by the level of competition. This gives us confidence that we will do well in South Korea,” he said.
Mombasa County Taekwondo Association officials Dennis Ywaya and Joseph Makau attributed the growth to strong parental support and partnerships, noting that more than 4,000 players are active across schools and clubs.
They also plan to enhance coaching standards through targeted training programmes. “The experience that the coaches get is what streams down to the players,” Ywaya said.
Mombasa County is supporting the sport by providing free training venues. Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has granted access to social halls across the county, while sports executive Jonathan Wepukhulu said the aim is to develop top athletes from the region.
