8th Annual Sports Day Celebrates Unity and Sports for Peace and Development
The University of Nairobi marked its 8th Annual Sports Day on Friday, 16 October 2026, with pomp, colour and healthy competition that saw staff, students, University leadership and distinguished guests came out in large numbers to participate.
Held under the theme “Harnessing the Power of Sport for Peace and Development,” the event underscored the role of sport in strengthening institutional cohesion, promoting healthy lifestyles, nurturing talent and fostering positive social change.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences was the overall winner in the students category, followed by Faculty of Science and Technology and Faculty of Health Sciences at number 2 and 3 respectively.
University of Nairobi Enterprise Services (UNES) and the Faculty of Agriculture tied at number 1 in the staff category, followed by Central Administration and Kenya Science that also tied at number 2.
The event was graced by the University Chancellor, the Chairperson of the University Council, the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Deans of Faculties and other distinguished guests. Their presence reaffirmed the University's commitment to positioning sport as an integral component of the University experience, contributing to student development, leadership, teamwork and institutional excellence.
A major highlight of the Sports Day was the participation of Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man and a world-ranked sprinter. His presence provided an opportunity for students and aspiring athletes to draw inspiration from his sporting journey, reinforcing the importance of discipline, resilience, dedication and determination in pursuing excellence.
The University also welcomed Amb. Tegla Loroupe, Africa’s Athletics Ambassador, renowned marathon runner and international peace advocate. Through her work with the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation, she has championed the use of sport as a platform for peacebuilding and social cohesion, particularly among communities affected by conflict and displacement.
Their participation reinforced the day's central message: sport goes beyond competition to become a powerful vehicle for mentorship, peace, inclusion and social transformation.
The Sports Day featured a wide range of sports and games designed to encourage participation, healthy competition and interaction across the University community. Activities included football, basketball, rugby, volleyball, handball, swimming, athletics, badminton, scrabble, chess, darts, creative games and tug-of-war.
A notable addition to the programme was the participation of the AHEEN Refugee Athletics Team from Koitaleel Samoei University College. Their involvement demonstrated the capacity of sport to bring people together across different backgrounds and experiences, advancing the principles of inclusion, dignity and peaceful coexistence.
The University looks forward to extending participation in future editions of the Sports Day to its constituent colleges, further strengthening inter-institutional collaboration and the sense of belonging across the University community.
One of the key highlights was the Vice-Chancellor’s 5km Unity Run/Walk, which brought participants together around the shared goals of wellness, solidarity and community engagement.The initiative also signals an ambitious vision: growing the Unity Run/Walk into the University of Nairobi Marathon in the coming years.
The success of the Sports Day was made possible through the valuable support of sponsors and partners. The University acknowledges the contributions of:
- University of Nairobi Enterprises and Services (UNES)
- Huduma Centre
- State Department for Diaspora Affairs
- Coca-Cola
- TECNO Mobile
- University of Nairobi Alumni
- Ceder Sports Academy
- Omanyala Foundation
- Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation
The support demonstrated the importance of collaboration between universities, public institutions, corporate organisations, alumni and sports development partners in creating opportunities for participation, talent identification and community engagement.
Student and Faculty Team Rankings
|
Rank |
Faculty/Campus |
Gold |
Silver |
Bronze |
Total |
|
1 |
FASS |
7 |
4 |
4 |
15 |
|
2 |
FST |
3 |
3 |
3 |
9 |
|
3 |
FHS |
3 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
|
4 |
FED |
2 |
7 |
2 |
11 |
|
5 |
Kisumu |
2 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
|
6 |
FVM |
2 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
|
7 |
FBED |
1 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
|
8 |
FBMS |
1 |
2 |
5 |
8 |
|
9 |
FOL |
1 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
|
10 |
FENG |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
|
11 |
FOA |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
12 |
KSC |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
13 |
Mombasa |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
Staff Team Rankings
|
Rank |
Staff Team |
Gold |
Silver |
Bronze |
|
1 (tie) |
UNES |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
1 (tie) |
FOA/VM |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
2 (tie) |
Central Administration |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
2 (tie) |
KSC |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
3 |
FED |
0 |
0 |
1 |
The 8th Annual Sports Day was therefore more than a sporting event; it was a celebration of the University's collective spirit and a renewed commitment to harnessing sport as a force for peace, development and excellence.
