An ambitious project to revitalise boxing in Kenya’s port city of Mombasa was launched today, May 16, 2025, at the Alliance Francaise premises.
In that what is viewed as a game changer in Mombasa boxing, the French Embassy has teamed up with Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) and its affiliate, Mombasa County Boxing Association, to breathe a new life to boxing at the Coast through the Ndondi Mashinani initiative.
At the heart of it all in this project bankrolled by the French Embassy is to enable Mombasa County churn out more more champions like it has done in the past. Among some of the high calibre notable boxers produced by Mombasa County includes internationals such as John Opiyo, Yunis Seby, Boniface Kahoro, Stephen “Kimbo” Matiani, Saulo Owiso and his younger brother Charles Owiso, Lemmy “Cobra” Katibi, Ashira Oure, Wandera “Power” Oyolo, Martin “Nyoka” Ojuang, Black Moses Mathenge, Rayton “Boom Boom” Okwiri, Shaffi Bakari to mention but a few.
Addressing a pressing conference, the minister in charge of sports in Mombasa County, Kenneth Ambani lauded the French Embassy through the Alliance Francaise for supporting the growth of boxing in Mombasa.
“We thank the French Embassy for this timely gesture, we will now work with the Mombasa County Boxing Association to bring on board more sponsors to sunstain this project,” said the Ambani.
“We have allocated the Changamwe Community Hall to Mombasa County Boxing Association to make sure our boxers train regularly in a decent atmosphere.
“Once we specific funding for sports in the county we will even be able to have at least five coaches in our payroll, there’s a bill being tabled to this effect.”
The launch was also attended by the Head of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the Embassy or France, Denis Sainte-Marie, the brains behind the project Director of Alliance Francaise Lucas Malcor and Mombasa County Boxing Association secretary general Chrispine Onyango who is also the second Vice-President of Boxing Federation of Kenya.
Malcor and Onyango have jointly worked tirelessly ensure everything works to clockwork precision.
“The objective is the promotion of boxing for all,” said Malcor, adding: “Following the undeniable success of the Paris Olympic Games 2024, Ndondi Mashinani will provide the opportunity to continue to uphold the values of Olympism: respect, tolerance and perseverance.”
Malcor said they have spent $19,355 (Ksh 2.5 million) for the purchase of equipment which includes two rings, one ring at the Changamwe Community Hall and a smaller one to be used in popularising boxing in schools to attract more girls to take up the sport.
Onyango said several events have been lined up from mid June starting with a one-week national certification course for coaches, referees and judges to be sponsored by Alliance Francaise and has attracted 90 participants including 30 women and the official opening of Changamwe Community Hall on June 21. This important function will be pressed over by the French Ambassador and Boxing Federation of Kenya President Anthony “Jamal” Ombok.
Top Kenyan boxers will then converge in Mombasa for the second leg of the Kenya National Boxing League from July 17-19 at the Alliance Francaise in the affluent Nyali suburb during which the winners and losers in the finals will receive prize money.
“Alliance Francaise will sponsor the second leg of the league in Mombasa, and will also cater for travelling and accommodation expenses of all the officials,” said Onyango.
“The amount to be paid to the boxers will be annoyed in due course.”
Onyango thanked the French Embassy for supporting the development of boxing in Mombasa.
He also lauded the Mombasa County for availing the Changamwe Community Hall.
“Our boxers will now be able to train in a conducive atmosphere, the hall will be renovated to international standards with neat washrooms and bathrooms,” said Onyango.
The 12 affiliated clubs to the Mombasa County Boxing Association will also receive several pairs of sparring and competition gloves.
