This archive report was first published on 17 July 2021.
Kenya's esports industry has experienced a significant surge in recent years, with young gamers finding success and financial stability in the virtual world.
According to Fredrick Renja Ochami, a professional gamer and virtual football boss, esports has become a lucrative career path for many young Kenyans.
"My top three are FIFA, Tekken, and League of Legends," Ochami said. "Tekken is one of the most balanced fighting games I know. Unlike Mortal Kombat, every fighter feels like he has a chance to win."
With esports, the payoff is money. Ochami's virtual football team earns him a share of his rent and some cash for groceries. He also makes some money as a fiction writer.
Kenya's esports professionals are aged between 15-35, and they train for 12-14 hours a day, three to four times a week. Ochami trains for four hours on weekdays and eight hours each weekend.
"I would say esports, especially games like Call of Duty and FIFA, those are the games you should play if you want to go pro, because they have big prize pools," Ochami said.
One of the most successful female gamers in Kenya is Sylvia Gathoni, also known as Queen Arrow. She was the first Kenyan Tekken professional to sign for an international gaming team.
"Some people feel like the opportunities I have gotten are due to my gender and not my hard work and passion and talent. But, as they say, the best revenge is success. You just focus on your goals and you continue pushing," Gathoni said.
Esports leagues with stipends and corporate sponsorships have become a reality in Kenya. Gamers can earn up to €500 in the bank every month by being part of a winning virtual FIFA team.
