Scrabble: Govt moves to mainstream board game quietly elevating Kenya’s status
By Joel Masibo, May 12, 2026Kenya’s Scrabble fraternity has received a major boost after top government officials held talks with the national federation in a move aimed at expanding the sport across the country and nurturing young talent.
The discussions, led by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, signalled renewed optimism for a game that has quietly elevated Kenya into a global powerhouse.
Mwangi delighted
Speaking after hosting officials from Scrabble Kenya on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Mwangi praised the country’s remarkable achievements in board games, saying Kenya’s success on the continental and global stage reflects the immense talent available among Kenyan youth.
According to the PS, the government is keen to tap into that potential and create structures that will help the sport grow further, particularly in learning institutions.
The meeting brought together key Scrabble stakeholders led by Scrabble Kenya Secretary General Berly Okado and Tournament Director Okeyo Crispin. The officials held discussions on strategies to strengthen the game at the grassroots level and position Scrabble as a mainstream competitive sport in Kenya.
”Kenya’s continued dominance in board games at a regional and continental stage is a testament to the incredible talent the country has; an asset we are keen to exploit. I was delighted to host officials of Scrabble Kenya for conversations on how to accelerate the growth of the sport in Kenya especially among learners in learning institutions,” Mwangi said.
Mwangi noted that Kenya has established itself as a giant in the sport, currently ranked third in the world, second in Africa and first in the East, Central and Southern Africa region.
The country’s recent performances have further cemented that reputation. In April, Team Kenya clinched gold at the East, Central and Southern Africa Scrabble Championships, continuing a strong run that also saw the nation finish third at last year’s World Scrabble Championship in Ghana.
The Sports PS said such achievements demonstrate the huge untapped potential among young Kenyans, adding that scrabble not only provides competition but also sharpens critical thinking, patience and strategic planning while expanding players’ vocabulary.
”Such performance shows immense talents among our young people. This sport sharpens critical thinking, patience and development of strategy while encouraging exponential growth in player’s vocabulary.” Mwangi added.
Strengthening scrabble
As part of efforts to accelerate the game’s growth, the government is considering introducing scrabble as one of the disciplines during holiday camps organized by the Kenya Academy of Sports.
In addition, the federation is expected to collaborate closely with school sports associations to roll out the game in schools across the country, a move aimed at identifying and nurturing talent from an early age.
The meeting was also attended by Kenya Academy of Sports Chair Thuo Chege, Sports Secretary Administration Evans Achoki and Deputy Director of Sports Lizbeth Wamalwa.