The Esports Kenya Federation (ESKF) has announced new rules aimed at protecting underage players, setting legal and welfare standards for the recruitment, training, and management of minors.
In a notice on May 19, Esports Kenya said that all engagements involving minors must strictly comply with Kenyan law, warning that growth in the sector must not come at the cost of a child’s education, health, or general well-being.
“The Esports Kenya Federation (ESKF) acknowledges and appreciates the significant contribution of esports teams, managers, scouts, and agents in fostering the growth of Kenyan esports and identifying young talent. In the same breath, the Federation emphasizes that this growth must not compromise the welfare of minors. All contractual agreements involving minors must strictly adhere to Kenyan law,” read part of the notice.
New Measures Focus on Legal Compliance, Parental Consent
Esports Kenya referenced the Children’s Act 2022, which requires that training and competition schedules for young players do not interfere with schooling or overall welfare.
It also referred to the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2010, which requires transparency in recruitment, transfers, and housing and prohibits deceptive recruitment, unauthorized relocation, and any form of exploitation.
The federation stressed that parental or guardian consent is mandatory in all cases involving minors, which must be clear, documented and informed, with any agreements signed without guardian involvement considered invalid.
Esports Kenya also warned it will enforce a zero-tolerance approach against individuals or organizations that exploit underage players, attempt to bypass legal guardianship, or violate statutory protections.
The federation has also urged parents and guardians to carry out due diligence before allowing minors to join teams or sign contracts.
This includes verifying agents and teams, understanding contract terms, and ensuring proper safeguards are in place for digital safety and mental well-being.
Esports Kenya said it is available to help confirm the legitimacy of esports entities.
The federation noted that it plans to work with legal experts, child protection advocates, team owners, and players to develop a formal framework governing the representation of underage players.
The framework will standardize contracts, set safeguarding requirements, and outline penalties for non-compliance.
Also Read: Kenyans Celebrate a Man Who Shut Down Opiyo Wandayi and Chirchir on Air for Lying
The federation said the measures are part of efforts to build a professional video gaming environment where young talent can grow safely while their rights remain protected
“To ensure long-term stability and safety, the ESKF will initiate a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process. This will involve collaboration with legal experts, child protection advocates, team owners, and players to draft a Formal Framework on Underage Players Representation.”
About the Esports Kenya Federation (ESKF)
The Esports Kenya Federation (ESKF) is the national organization responsible for developing and promoting competitive video gaming in Kenya. It was founded in 2018 and is based in Nairobi.
Esport Kenya is registered with the Sports Registrar within the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, thereby receiving formal recognition within Kenya’s sports framework.
The federation serves as the governing body for esports in Kenya, bringing together players, teams, tournament organizers, and other stakeholders to build a structured gaming ecosystem.
Its roles include promoting esports development and identifying talent across the country, organizing competitions and leagues at the national level, supporting players and teams through training and development programmes, and setting standards and guidelines that ensure fair play as well as the safety and welfare of players.
In December 2024, Esports Kenya was formally recognized by the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), marking a mainstream sport
