CUEA Opens New Chapter in eSports as Global Federation Backs Student Innovation
By Brian Kweyu
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) has opened discussions on establishing a stronger foothold in the rapidly growing global eSports industry following a high-level visit by the President of the Global Esports Federation (GEF), Mr. Paul J. Foster on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Mr. Foster, accompanied by GEF Chief Impact Officer Mr. Thanos Karagrounas, GEF Vice President Mr. Thomas Sithole and President of the Kenya Electronic Sports Federation (KESF), Mr. Ronny Lusigi, visited the University to engage students on the future of eSports, technology, artificial intelligence and innovation.
The delegation was received by the Dean of Students, Mr. Samuel Wakanyua, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa Students Organization (CUEASO) Chairperson, Mr. Brian Kweyu.
Addressing the University community, Mr. Foster challenged students to move beyond being consumers of technology and become creators of solutions that can transform society.
His message was anchored on the need for young people to think critically about the role of technology in shaping the future. “If machines make us faster, then they should also make us wise,” Mr. Foster told the students.
He said that technology should be used to amplify human potential rather than diminish it, urging students to change the way they approach technological innovation.
“Do not ask what technology can I use, but what technology can I build,” he said.
Mr. Foster challenged CUEA students to bring forward their ideas, research projects, games, start-ups and ambitions that could potentially be connected to the global eSports and technology ecosystem.
He proposed a practical model in which students could present innovative ideas and real-life problems that could then be connected to companies and industry players capable of helping them develop solutions.
“Bring us your ideas, your research, your games, your start-ups and your ambitions,” he told the students, expressing his desire to see CUEA and the Global Esports Federation establish a practical pathway through which promising student innovations could access the global ecosystem.
He further challenged the University to identify ten student ideas and ten problems that could be presented to companies and technology partners for possible development.
The proposal, he said, should result in something tangible that students can build and benefit from rather than a partnership that exists only on paper.
Speaking on behalf of the University, the Dean of Students, Mr. Samuel Wakanyua welcomed the growing role of eSports and technology in education and student development. Mr. Wakanyua noted that universities must begin preparing for changes in the education system and the evolving interests and talents of future students.
He particularly highlighted the need to develop academic programmes that incorporate sports and emerging areas of talent, noting that institutions must prepare for the first cohort of students expected to complete the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) senior school pathway and join universities from 2029.
The proposed integration of eSports into the university's broader sports and academic ecosystem could therefore provide CUEA with an opportunity to position itself ahead of emerging trends in education, technology and the creative economy.
The visit is expected to pave the way for a partnership between CUEA and the Global Esports Federation through the Kenya Electronic Sports Federation.
The proposed collaboration is expected to create opportunities for students involved in gaming and eSports to access professional networks, mentorship, competitions, technology, innovation opportunities and the wider global eSports industry.
Mr. Foster expressed his excitement about visiting CUEA, particularly because the institution has previously produced talented players in the gaming space, including renowned eSports champion, Sylvia Gathoni (known by her sport name; Queen Arrow) who studied at CUEA.
He said Kenya has the potential to become a major hub for eSports and challenged young Kenyans to stop viewing foreign countries as the only destinations where they can build going abroad in search of opportunities, he urged young people to build those opportunities in Kenya.
His message reflected a broader vision of positioning Kenya not merely as a consumer of global technology but as a country capable of developing games, platforms, companies and innovations for the international market.