The World Kickboxing Federation of Kenya will hold an amateur tournament next month as new president Japheth Yahuma embarks on a mission to increase the sport's visibility.
Yahuma, popularly known as Takid Master, said the tournament will be held in Kayole.
Yahuma was the WKF competitions secretary until January when he was elected the federation head.
The tournament, he said, is geared towards identifying fighters who can be fine-tuned for future international tournaments.
"I have seen so many fighters, especially from slum areas, who do well in this sport and take it as a way to make a living. It is important that every federation finds a way to help the youth and I am looking for youthful fighters who can deliver. We will train and prepare them for games," he said.
Yahuma said they are also seeking ways to finance their activities, regretting that they will miss the WKF world pro and amateur MMA, K1 kickboxing professional championship to be held in Nairobi on April 8.
United States, Morocco, Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda are among the countries expected to send representatives.
Yahuma said he is targeting to land some sponsorships by October to help them run their activities, including staging an international tournament.
"I want to secure some sponsorships by December this year though it's not easy. One has to dig deeper. Once we land some funds, we will be able to hold a competition here, mixing both amateur and professional kickboxing," he added.
His main aim is to hold a competition in every region, starting with Kayole.
“There is a team in Kayole called 'Hardcore', who have produced some pros and are ready to join me in this initiative. We have teams from Dandora and Githurai too,” he concluded.
After the amateur tournament at the Kayole Social Hall, the federation will hold seminars to train coaches and referees.