The Esports Kenya Federation has announced the commencement of registration for national trials for the Global Esports Games, scheduled to take place at the HIT Lab in Nairobi on July 18-19, 2026.

Nairobi is set to host a historic Global Cup after Kenya was selected by the Global Esports Federation as its strategic esports hub in Africa, according to The Kenya Times. The announcement followed a September 8 meeting in Nairobi between Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and GEF President Sir Paul J. Foster, who was accompanied by others. The report frames the decision as positioning Kenya at the center of Africa’s competitive gaming landscape.

In Kenya, sports betting has rapidly evolved from a niche activity into a multi-billion-shilling industry, largely fueled by mobile technology and increased internet access. This growth has made betting platforms accessible to millions, especially among the youth. While the sector presents economic opportunities, it also raises concerns about potential negative impacts, leading to debates on whether it is ultimately beneficial or detrimental to society.

According to TechTrends KE, Kenya’s e-commerce market is projected to expand from about Sh336.7 billion today to roughly Sh496 billion by 2029, from an estimated base of $2.6 billion. The report describes the market as already among Africa’s largest, supported by internet access, mobile payments and growing online adoption, while cautioning that realizing the forecast will depend on faster improvements to digital-trade rules and surrounding systems.

Google Play has announced a $1 million fund to support 10 African game studios, addressing the challenges many of these studios face in securing necessary capital for growth. The African gaming market is valued at approximately $2.29 billion, highlighting its potential despite the financial hurdles for local developers.

Meta has released an assessment suggesting that Kenya's digital economy has the potential to grow significantly, with a projected value of $13 billion. This claim highlights the importance of the digital sector in the country's economic landscape, according to CIO Africa.