Institutionalizing Gender-Equal Sports in Kenyan Universities: Why Korfball Must be Included in University Sports Programmes

Despite the presence of gender-mainstreaming policies in Kenya, university sports programmes remain largely gender-segregated, with male-dominated sports receiving more funding, visibility, and institutional support than female sports. Korfball, a mixed-gender sport designed to promote equality and inclusion, has been introduced in Kenyan universities but remains minimally institutionalized. This study investigated the potential of institutionalizing Korfball as a gender-equal sport within Kenyan university sports programmes. The specific objectives were to examine its contribution to gender equality and inclusive participation, evaluate perceived physical, mental, and social health benefits, and develop a framework for its institutionalization. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. The target population comprised 200 stakeholders from universities affiliated with the Kenya Universities Sports Association (KUSA), including student-athletes, sports administrators, physical education directors, and sports officers. A sample of 57 respondents was selected. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire with both closed- and open-ended items. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in R software, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings showed that 52.5% of respondents perceived unequal resource allocation in traditional sports, while only 20.3% indicated that Korfball was actively promoted in their institutions. Strong agreement was recorded for Korfball’s role in breaking gender silos (62.7%), but lower levels of agreement were observed for neutralizing athletic biases, leadership equity, and addressing female marginalization. Health-related perceptions were generally weak and inconclusive, with no significant differences in perceived benefits (Wilks’ Λ = 0.487, p = 0.632), leading to acceptance of the second null hypothesis. Institutional analysis further revealed inadequate structures supporting adoption, leading to acceptance of the third hypothesis. The study concludes that while Korfball promotes gender integration, its broader impact is constrained by weak institutional support. It recommends policy reform, increased awareness, structured implementation, and partnerships to support its institutionalization in Kenyan universities

Gender equality, institutionalization, inclusive participation, Kenya, mixed-gender sports

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