The 9th Martial Arts Open School Kenya Project officially concluded on 29th August 2025 in a ceremony held at the Kibabii University Sports Gymnasium, graced by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo.
The initiative is part of five global Martial Arts Open School Projects funded by the International Center of Martial Arts (ICM) under the auspices of UNESCO. Other participating countries include Egypt, Brazil, and Nepal. In Kenya, the project trained 200 pupils from St. Mary’s Kibabii Girls Primary School, using martial arts as a tool to combat Gender-Based Violence and bullying both within schools and in the wider community.
Launched on 4th June 2024, the program ran for three months, equipping pupils with skills in Taekwondo, Boxing, and Karate. Training was administered by an experienced coaching team: Coach Tom Amwanzo (Boxing), Olympian Faith Ogallo (Taekwondo), and Coach Samuel Simiyu (Karate).
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to ICM-UNESCO for selecting Kibabii University as a host institution, emphasizing the lasting impact of the project on the learners and the community. He commended the pupils for their commitment, noting that the skills acquired would play a key role in addressing social challenges. He pledged that the University would continue supporting martial arts training at St. Mary’s Kibabii Primary School, with the University fully funding the program. He further tasked Olympian Faith Ogallo to continue nurturing the impressive talents showcased during the event. During the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor awarded 10 outstanding athletes in recognition of their exemplary performance.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research & Innovation), Prof. Julius Maiyo, praised the initiative for its transformative impact on the pupils and the surrounding community.
“This and other initiatives help the University achieve its goals as an academic institution and a center of excellence,” he said.
The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & Student Affairs), Prof. Stanley Mutsotso, lauded the high quality of skills displayed, underscoring the vital role of sports in the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum and in national development. He thanked the Center for Creative Performing Arts and Sports (CECPAS) for its commendable community work, assuring continued University support. The Director CECPAS, Dr. Edwin Masibo, expressed appreciation to the University Management for its unwavering support in implementing the project.
Speaking on behalf of St. Mary’s Kibabii Primary School, the Deputy Head Teacher Mr. George Wamalwa conveyed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, noting that the program had positively shaped the pupils’ discipline, dedication, and overall character.
