Official Launch: UNESCO Chair in Inclusive & Sustainable Physical Education and Sports for Community Development – Kenyatta University, 18 March 2026
Dr. James Njogu, the Secretary General KNATCOM today attended the launch of the UNESCO Chair in Inclusive and Sustainable Physical Education and Sports for Community Development. The event was held at the International Language and Culture Centre (ILCC) at Kenyatta University and marked a significant milestone in advancing KNATCOM and UNESCO’s agenda on inclusion, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development through sport.
The ceremony brought together distinguished leaders and stakeholders working in physical education and sports sectors and research. During this event Secretary General of KNATCOM, highlighted the central role of physical education and sports in fostering social cohesion, promoting health, and strengthening youth engagement in national development.
The Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University, Prof. John Okumu, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to championing cutting‑edge research and community-based programmes that align with UNESCO’s global priorities. He emphasized that the new Chair would enhance Kenya’s leadership in inclusive sports research and practice.
The UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa was represented by Mr. Hugue Ngandeu Ngatta, Social and Human Sciences Programme Specialist, who underscored UNESCO’s continued support for capacity-building in sports as a tool for sustainable development. He congratulated Kenyatta University on joining the global network of UNESCO Chairs dedicated to social transformation through knowledge and innovation and noted that this was the second UNESCO Chair in Africa in the area of physical education and sport.
The event was also attended by Dr. Jane Kamau, the newly appointed UNESCO Chairholder, Dr. Gladys Mwangi the Executive Dean, School of Health Sciences, and the Chairperson of the Department of Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science who committed to support the chair in performance of her work. Dr. Kamau emphasized inclusive programming, research-driven interventions, and collaborative partnerships to advance sports as a driver of social change.
The Chief Guest, the CEO of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), was represented by Dr. Lydia Mucheru, Senior Deputy Director, Directorate of Research, Quality Assurance, Partnerships and Field Services. In her remarks, she highlighted the importance of embedding inclusive physical education within the national curriculum and pledged KICD’s readiness to collaborate with the new Chair.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from government agencies, academia, civil society, students and sports organizations. All stakeholders expressed strong commitment to working with the Chair in implementing transformative community programmes that promote equity, inclusion, well-being, and sustainable development through sport.
The successful launch marks the beginning of an initiative that will contribute significantly to Kenya’s and the region’s efforts in strengthening sports for development and peace, in line with the SDGs and KNATCOM’s mandate.
More information: KU VC awarded UNESCO Chair in Inclusive and Sustainable Physical Education and Sport for Community Development
