KLUA leads charge for women in ultimate frisbee

Nairobi, Kenya – In a bold and inspiring move to elevate women in sports, the Kenya Ladies Ultimate Association (KLUA) is transforming the landscape of ultimate frisbee in the country. Formed out of a desire to see more women involved in the sport, KLUA is already making significant strides by establishing competitive structures, promoting inclusivity, and nurturing future leaders in Ultimate.

KLUA operates under the umbrella of the Kenya Flying Disc Federation (KFDF) and serves as a dedicated wing focusing on women’s participation and development in the sport. The association held its first elections last year, ushering in a pioneering leadership team:

Catherine Alungwa – President (also a member of the Women’s Committee at KFDF)

Kate Memorie Apondi – Patron

Mercy Mbago – Treasurer

Adah Sakwa – Secretary

In an interview, KLUA President Catherine Alungwa emphasized the motivation behind forming the association. “Ultimate is predominantly played as a mixed-gender sport in Kenya, often with a 3:4 gender ratio. However, due to limited outreach, women’s participation has remained low,” she said. “We formed KLUA to bridge that gap—to empower women, increase their visibility in the sport, and ensure fair representation on the field.”

The association’s mission is clear: to promote gender inclusion and encourage more women to become active participants and leaders in Ultimate Frisbee. Despite challenges such as limited funding and lack of sponsorship, KLUA has created a platform that already boasts seven registered women’s clubs and over 120 active players.

The clubs are spread across various regions:

Dala Disc Divas – Kisumu

Equator Queens – Maseno University

Kakamega Stallions – MMUST

Duck n Dive – University of Eldoret

Tropical Rebels – KAFU

City Eagles and City SheWolf – both based in Nairobi

In addition to club development, KLUA has initiated outreach programs in universities across Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka, and Murang’a. The goal is to form strong partnerships with institutions such as the Kenya University Sports Federation (KUSF) to create a vibrant women’s league structure spanning regional and national levels.

“We decided to begin with clubs because many women were already familiar with the game through the federation. Clubs allowed us to build on that momentum while integrating university players into regional teams,” said Alungwa.

KLUA recently held its first league tournament in Kaimosi, marking a significant milestone. “It was overwhelming, especially with financial limitations and the logistics involved. But thanks to our dedicated patron and the entire Ultimate community, all teams turned up, and the experience was incredible,” she added.

Organizing the tournament wasn’t without challenges. Lack of equipment, uncertainty around player attendance, and difficulties securing a venue tested the team’s resolve. Yet, the success of the event reaffirmed KLUA’s commitment and laid the foundation for future competitions.

Looking ahead, KLUA is focused on sustainability and growth. The association is seeking financial support, equipment such as playing boots and discs (mostly sourced abroad), and technical assistance in the form of coaches and game advisors. Plans are also underway to officially register the association, a crucial step in legitimizing its work and expanding its reach.

“We’re working hard to fundraise for travel, equipment, and outreach. Our dream is to see a Kenyan women’s Ultimate team compete at the World Championships and, eventually, the Olympics,” Alungwa noted.

KLUA’s ambition over the next 3–5 years is to become a continental pacesetter in women’s Ultimate, building robust leadership and a league format that could serve as a model across Africa.

Supporters and players who wish to get involved are encouraged to contribute through the association’s fundraising kitty or reach out directly to become part of this transformative journey.

As KLUA continues to break barriers and elevate women’s voices in the sport, it stands as a shining example of what determination, community, and inclusive vision can achieve.