Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) hosted the Nairobi Baseball Community Championship Festival at its state-of-the-art baseball ground, famously christened the Nairobi Field of Dreams.
The event was organized in collaboration with the If We Built It Baseball organization and it brought together teams, fans and stakeholders in a vibrant celebration of the sport, marking a historic milestone for both the university and the region.
If We Built It has been instrumental in the realization of the Nairobi Field of Dreams, providing vital support and collaboration that helped make the facility a reality.
Held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, under the theme: “Hitting Home Runs for Youth, Sports and Education,” the festival attracted both baseball enthusiasts and curious spectators. It offered a unique opportunity to experience a sport that is rapidly gaining popularity across East Africa.
The matches played showcased the passion, skill, and determination of local players while underscoring baseball’s potential to thrive in the region. Several teams took to the field, thrilling the crowd with exciting displays of talent and sportsmanship.
The highlight of the day was the Little League Championship Game (12U), which premiered during the festival and captivated audiences with its energy, competitiveness, and youthful spirit.
In the final showdown, the Shangalia Tarheels team faced off against the Masailand Baseball Academy Warriors from Northern Kajiado and Rongai. After a spirited contest, the Warriors emerged victorious.
More than just a game, this matchup marked a defining moment for Nairobi’s first generation of official Little League players, reflecting both their immense talent and the bright future of baseball in the region.
Speaking during the event, JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi highlighted the pivotal role of the Nairobi Field of Dreams in advancing the sport. The Vice Chancellor noted that the facility has already hosted local tournaments, international exchange matches, and training programs that have strategically positioned baseball as one of the fastest-growing sports in the region.
“At JKUAT, we believe that education does not end in lecture halls and laboratories. It extends to the field, where
teamwork, discipline, resilience, and leadership are forged, values that are as important to a scientist, an engineer, or an entrepreneur as they are to an athlete,” said Prof. Ngumi, in a speech delivered on her behalf by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Prof. Bernard Ikua.
Prof. Ngumi further observed that the Nairobi Field of Dreams has evolved into a hub for bilateral exchange and international collaboration, having hosted major tournaments such as the Japanese Koshien Tournament, the Jackie Robinson Baseball Showcase, the Nairobi Community Baseball League, and the Baseball for Africa Tournament.
On her part, Ms. Susan Burns, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Kenya, commended the initiative, noting that sports like baseball not only nurture talent, but also foster cultural exchange, teamwork and lifelong values among young people.
Ms. Burns further noted that the U.S. Embassy remains committed to supporting programs that empower youth through sports, education, and cultural exchange. She pointed out that baseball has become a powerful bridge between Kenya and the United States, opening doors for young athletes to engage on the international stage.
Thomas Wallace, from If We Built It, said that the festival was a significant milestone in promoting the sport locally, providing young players with exposure, experience, and inspiration to grow both on and off the field.
Dr. Titus Mutwiri, President of the Baseball Federation of Kenya, lauded JKUAT for playing an instrumental role in advancing the sport, noting that the Nairobi Field of Dreams has become a symbol of growth and opportunity for young players.
Dr. Mutwiri further said, the Federation is keen on strengthening grassroots programs, building coaching capacity and expanding partnerships to firmly anchor baseball within Kenya’s sporting culture.
