A record 51 teams have confirmed their participation in the fifth edition of the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Handball Jamboree, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Kakamega.
Kenya Handball Federation Western region secretary Shisoka Akaka confirmed that 23 men’s teams and 28 women’s teams have registered so far, with each team paying a participation fee of Sh3,000.
He expects more entries before registration closes on Thursday.
“We expect more teams to register because Kenyans have a peculiar habit of doing things at the last minute. However, I’m so far impressed by the number and quality of teams,” noted Akaka.
Uganda’s Makerere University is the only foreign team entered in the two-day tournament and will field sides in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Women’s champions Daystar University return to defend their title but the men's title holders, General Service Unit (GSU), have yet to confirm their participation.
Other top entrants include Kisii University, United States International University Africa (USIU-A), Rongo University, Moi University, Kenyatta University, Maseno University, and Indangalasia.
“The teams that have registered include secondary schools, universities, clubs, and polytechnics. We expect a highly competitive tournament,” noted Akaka, who backed hosts MMUST to challenge for both the men’s and women’s titles.
The event is sponsored by MMUST, MMUST Alumni and Macd Group.
Additionally, the third edition of the MMUST Lacrosse Jamboree will take place this weekend.
Tournament coordinator Barrack Khaseke confirmed that eight teams have entered: hosts MMUST, Daystar, Kibabii, Egerton, Kabianga, Kaimosi Friends University, Cooperative University, and Kenyatta University.
Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) champions Musingu High School are the only school registered for the annual lacrosse tournament, seeking to challenge the university sides following their regional victory in Morogoro, Tanzania.
Sigalagala National Polytechnic won the men’s lacrosse title last year, while Kibabii University clinched the women’s trophy.
