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With a recent milestone of being inducted into the the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), Kenya Federation of Ice Sports Robert Opiyo is tipping the little known sport to soon become an household name.
Kenya Federation of Ice Sports (KEFIS) chairman Robert Opiyo is on a mission to bring ice hockey into the Kenyan mainstream.
What began as a passion-driven sport for a handful of enthusiasts has grown into a recognized and celebrated activity in Kenya.
Established in 2019, KEFIS has made substantial progress, not only by participating in international invitational tournaments but by hosting them, marking a significant stride forward for ice hockey in Kenya.
At the heart of this journey is Kenya's first national ice hockey team, the Ice Lions, whose rise to prominence began with an unexpected opportunity in early 2018 as the team was offered a chance to experience ice hockey on a full-sized rink in Canada.
The experience was transformative, sparking a new vision within the federation to bring that sense of wonder and growth back to Kenyan soil.
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14:38 - 17.05.2024
Guide to getting into Ice Hockey
Ice hockey has quickly risen to great providence and relevance in recent years which has allowed a vast variety of sports fans to enjoy some of the many established star names and organizations that perform on a frequent basis in some very intense and intriguing contests from leagues such as the NHL.
Upon their return, KEFIS and the Ice Lions channeled this inspiration into establishing Kenya’s own international ice hockey tournament, the Madaraka Day Cup, named after the holiday celebrating Kenya’s journey to self-governance.
Held at Nairobi’s Panari Sky Centre, the tournament invited teams from embassies, NGOs, and international communities, creating an electric, multicultural atmosphere.
“This is a historic moment for the sport in Kenya,” Opiyo told the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) at the time.
“We are grateful for the worldwide support that helped us achieve this dream. It’s just the beginning of making ice hockey accessible to more Kenyans.”
Despite the challenge of limited infrastructure the sport’s momentum continues to build.
In a recent milestone, Kenya gained membership in the IIHF, becoming Africa’s fifth ice hockey nation alongside Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, and Tunisia.
With this recognition, KEFIS is focusing on grassroots development, aiming to introduce ice hockey into schools to cultivate young talent and establish a foundation for the sport's future in Kenya.
“When we step onto the ice, we’re representing more than just ourselves. We’re showing the world that hockey has a place in Kenya,” he told Olympics.com.
With IIHF support, Opiyo envisions Kenya competing in African tournaments and, one day, on the world stage.
“We’re just getting started,” he added, affirming commitment to a future where Kenya is recognized globally in the world of ice hockey.
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