Lusigi’s election elevates Kenya’s profile at the global level

ESport Kenya president Ronny Lusigi/ HANDOUT

Kenya has made a breakthrough on the global esports stage after Esports Kenya Federation president Rony Lusigi was elected to the board of the Global Esports Federation (GEF).

GEF is the sport’s highest decision-making body, a development that places the country among a select group shaping the future of competitive gaming worldwide.

Lusigi’s election elevates Kenya’s profile in global esports governance while strengthening Africa’s representation at the top table. With the continent now holding two seats on the GEF board, Lusigi is joining African Esports Development Federation (AEDF) President Tommy Sithole, who also serves as GEF vice president.

Lusigi said his appointment reflects Kenya’s growing credibility on the international stage, describing the outcome as a significant vote of confidence. He said the impact extends beyond national borders to the wider African esports community.

“My election is a big boost for the nation." For Africa, it’s massive because it brings the number of Africans on the board to two,” he said. GEF brings together national federations from across the world and steers policy direction, development programmes and international competitions.

Lusigi’s presence on the board is expected to open new pathways for Kenyan and African players, officials and investors within the rapidly expanding esports ecosystem. Lusigi outlined an agenda centred on accelerating the recognition and structured growth of esports across Africa. His focus at the board level will be on engaging governments and policymakers to acknowledge esports as a legitimate sport.

He added that he will also lobby for increased investment to help close the gap between Africa and more developed esports markets.

He further stressed the need for partnerships, particularly with traditional sports federations, positioning esports as complementary rather than competitive. “Collaboration is the way to bridge the gap. We have to continue collaboration with traditional sports federations and promote esports as an enabler, not a competitor of sports,” Lusigi said.