While badminton remains a relatively underappreciated sport in Kenya compared to athletics, volleyball, or boxing, one man in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, is on a mission to change that narrative.
Edward Muchiri, the founder of Mt. Kenya Badminton Boom and Thrive, is investing his time, resources, and passion to propel the indoor sport into national prominence. His efforts are already bearing fruit, with several successful regional and national tournaments organized within the past year.
Muchiri, a businessman and sports enthusiast, says his love for badminton began years ago when he actively played the game. He describes it as a unique sport that sharpens mental alertness while also enhancing physical fitness.
“I love badminton. It is one of the few sports that strongly promotes mental awareness and concentration. That is what drew me to it and inspired me to invest more in its growth,” Muchiri told KNA.
The initiative, Mt. Kenya Badminton Boom and Thrive, was launched in 2023 after Muchiri identified a gap in nurturing young talent within the sport. What started as informal outdoor play has since evolved into a structured program with its own court located on the outskirts of Nanyuki.
“In the beginning, we played outdoors, but we later realized the need for a proper facility. Over the past three years, we have made significant progress and even supported tournaments in major towns across the country,” he said.
Muchiri has organized multiple competitions, including the Mt. Kenya Badminton Campus Series, which has attracted players and fans from different regions. These events have not only increased participation but also raised awareness of the sport among young people.
The recent African Badminton Championship held in February in Botswana has also contributed to renewed interest in badminton, a sport that has traditionally been confined to educational institutions in Kenya.
Despite being an accomplished golfer, Muchiri has increasingly devoted his energy to badminton, successfully attracting corporate sponsors to support tournaments and development programs. However, he emphasizes the need for greater government involvement to scale up the initiative.
“We are looking forward to more support from stakeholders, especially the government, so that badminton can gain equal recognition alongside other sports. With the right backing, we can achieve tremendous growth,” he noted.
According to Muchiri, badminton is not just a physical game but also a mental one that requires high levels of concentration, discipline, and strategy. He believes that structured support for initiatives like Boom and Thrive can significantly boost the sport while nurturing young talent.
He also points out that investing in sports development could open up opportunities for sports tourism in Kenya, as well as provide career pathways for youth with exceptional talent.
“I have seen immense potential among young players. It would be unfortunate to let such talent go to waste. Other countries are excelling in badminton, and I believe Kenya can achieve the same with proper investment,” he added.
John Mwirigi, one of the beneficiaries of the initiative, says playing badminton has positively impacted his physical fitness and mental sharpness.
“Badminton is a great sport, especially when introduced at a young age. Through this program, we are encouraging more youth to take it up early. We also involve university students to help identify and nurture talent,” Mwirigi said.
Last month, Muchiri organized the Mt. Kenya Badminton Series, which brought together students from institutions of higher learning. The tournament also created opportunities for participants to secure internships through sponsoring organizations, further motivating youth to engage in the sport.
by Muturi Mwangi
