Kibabii University’s Center for Creative, Performing Arts and Sports (CECPAS) in collaboration with Imarisha Usawa held the Usawa Festival Basketball Tournament on the 21st and 22nd of June 2025 in Kibabii University. The theme for this year’s festival was Advancing Gender Equality through Action and Impact. The event attracted girls’ schools teams and clubs from Bungoma County. The two days tournament had activities ranging from panel discussions, mentorship sessions for the girls, coaches’ seminar and basketball matches. A total of 13 matches were played in different pools with the final bringing together Naitiri JSS against Sirakaru who are the reigning County Basketball Champions. All the teams that participated in the event received trophies and six months supply of sanitary towels. Participating Schools in the tournament included: Chwele Girls (Teams A & B), Kakamwe Girls, Teremi Junior Secondary School, Naitiri Junior Secondary School, Sirakaru SA Girls, and Naitiri Senior Girls.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Director of the Centre for Community and Professional Advancement Services (CECPAS), Dr. Edwin Masibo, officially opened the event. He welcomed and thanked all participating schools for choosing Kibabii University as the launching pad for such a meaningful and transformative initiative, emphasizing on Kibabii University’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, highlighting various initiatives aimed at uplifting surrounding communities. He expressed gratitude to the co-hosts for partnering with the University in using sports as a tool to empower girls in schools across Bungoma County.
He further noted that Kibabii University, through CECPAS, is currently implementing a three-month project that uses sports to address gender-based violence and bullying. He added that the Centre is at an advanced stage in developing curricula relevant to sports and creative arts, in line with the University’s mission to promote holistic development. Speaking at the event, Bungoma CECM for Education, Eng. Agnes Wachie, expressed gratitude to Kibabii University and Imarisha-Usawa for partnering to support the girl child in Bungoma County. She highlighted ongoing county government projects aimed at empowering youth across all sub-counties and urged parents to actively engage in such initiatives to help girls overcome the challenges they face.
Ms. Elizabeth Waliuba, founder of Imarisha-Usawa and event co-host, also thanked Kibabii University for its commitment to advancing the girl child agenda. She emphasized the transformative power of partnerships and the vital role of sports in empowering girls and amplifying their voices in society.
Also present during the event were Mr. Kelly Inyani a member of CECPAS, Olympian Faith Ogallo, Mr. Moses Chebonya the Director Gender Bungoma County, Mr. David Kalamu, Director Sports Bungoma County, Mr. Donald Liruh the Vice-President, Kenya Basketball Federation, Mr. George Osokho the Kenya Basketball Federation Bungoma County, Mr. Joseph Olita, Coordinator Murakwa Foundation, Ms. Naomi Bhoke, Bungoma County Government, Mr. Zedekiah Otieno the Founder,Vikapu Elite Basketball Performers, Mr. Ben Ooko who is a Football Coach for Amani Kibera different coaches among others.
