Ice Hockey Finds Unlikely Home in Nairobi

Fast Summary

• The Kenya Ice Lions, based in Nairobi’s Panari Hotel ice rink, are the only ice hockey team in equatorial Africa.
• The squad consists of players from diverse backgrounds, including students, unemployed individuals, and professionals like team captain Benjamin Mburu.
• In 2022,Kenya joined the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF),becoming the fifth african nation to do so. It marked a milestone for this community-driven initiative that began informally in 2016.
• Initially formed by skating instructors and rollerbladers, the team has received donated gear and operates on a small rink at significant costs ($100/hour).
• High-profile international support included sponsorship by Alibaba and Tim Hortons. Players trained in Canada where they received new gear and had their story filmed for promotional purposes.
• Canadian coach Tim Colby leads the team as a volunteer while promoting youth progress programs that attract up to 70 children for weekend practices. Women’s hockey is also growing under retired pro Saroya Tinker’s efforts.
• The Ice Lions train with ambitions of competing globally, aiming first for an African Nations Cup next June in South Africa and long-term qualification for Olympic events.

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