Martial arts making waves among Kenyan youths

Andrew Konde, a second-year engineering student at Kenya's Strathmore University, was inspired to start learning kung fu after watching movies on the martial art form as a child. However, what began as an extracurricular activity has become a lifestyle for the student, who is the chairman of the college's Titan Martial Arts club.

Growing up, Konde was fascinated by the prowess of legends like Jackie Chan. When he was admitted to Strathmore University in 2022, his interest in kung fu received a boost when he joined the martial arts club. Through hard work, he rose to become the club's chairman and has had the privilege of leading his team to wins at national martial arts championships, including at the All-Africa University Games last year, where they emerged as second-best overall team.

"The practice of kung fu leads to better health and fitness, greater coordination, and higher self-esteem. These qualities are vital to a happier, longer life. This is why I love it," Konde says.

The student, who has a Yellow Belt and three international gold medals to his name, has also won silver and bronze medals in local competitions since he made his debut two years ago. He considers last year to be the highlight of his kung fu practice after he was declared one of Kenya's top competitors in the featherweight category. He also competed in five championships.

Originating in China and part of the country's traditional culture, kung fu has become popular in Kenya, particularly among school-age children. They find it interesting because it keeps them in shape, and teaches them self-defense and self-control.

Konde adds that Chinese martial arts are lifetime exercises and involve balanced movements of the legs and hands, making them preferable to some other forms of exercise.

Kevin Obonyo, a lecturer of economics at Strathmore University and a kung fu instructor, says that kung fu frenzy is sweeping the continent thanks to the friendly relations between China and Africa, cemented through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative, among others. He adds that cultural exchange activities like kung fu have gone a long way toward improving the relationship between China and Africa, which has become stronger since the establishment of the forum.

"We have seen tangible improvement in sectors ranging from agriculture and communications, to construction, manufacturing, culture, sports and games, and people-to-people exchange," Obonyo says.