The two sides will run joint weekly training sessions, share facilities and widen development structures for men’s and women’s teams.
KDF team manager Peter Kimani said the merger is designed to strengthen performance, expand opportunities and anchor the sport in an academic–military environment, explaining that the project will immediately begin with shared programmes at USIU’s auditorium and ring.
“We looked to join USIU-Africa and KDF so that we can train together every week and run a joint programme,” he said, noting the institution’s modern setup and reputation.
“USIU is a good platform, the name and the facility. It’s a legit brand and incorporating it with students and the military side gives our athletes a real chance to grow.”
Kimani added that the partnership covers both men and women, with Ulinzi bringing 10 female fighters and 20 male fighters, many of whom balance sport with professional or academic careers.
USIU-A has a total of 21 (16 male and five female).
He said mentorship, discipline and community impact remain core parts of the merger.
“We are role models. We want to keep them away from drugs, guide them through mentorship, help them get sponsorship and have them grow in sports,” he said.
The initiative will prepare the squad for possible international tournaments and league appearances.
“We await the coach as well, because the plan is to make this a full technical setup.”
USIU’s integration of sports and academics is also central to the project, with Ulinzi noting that education creates long-term security for athletes.
“I did a certificate in medicine and once you retire from sport, you can go into coaching or teaching. It helps,” Kimani said.
With the one-year partnership now active, Ulinzi and USIU-Africa will open the programme to weekly joint sessions as they prepare for future competitions, aiming to create a self-sustaining talent pipeline that blends education, discipline and elite performance.
USIU head coach Innocent Wafula revealed that under the federation, the University has also acted with other clubs that include Ruiru Nakuru and another one from Nairobi (Dragon).
For fighters like 25-year-old Doreen Gitari, the project offers visibility and opportunity. She said her journey began in childhood, training in taekwondo before shifting fully into kickboxing.
“I’m in kickboxing because we combine kicks and boxing, and that’s where my passion is,” she said, recalling early days at Mutira Girls and later at MMUST before joining the KDF Taekwondo team.
“I aim to showcase that women can do this internationally. I’m not limited — I have that power within myself.”
Gitari said the merger must also address challenges that hold athletes back.
“We need support, training kits, therapy sessions and insurance because you can be injured and have no help,” she said.
She added that the sport needs more women who can push through negativity and lack of external backing.
“Your first competitor is yourself. Be disciplined and you’ll go far. Parents should support their kids because people can make a living from this.”
