Why more women will compete in African darts championship to be held in Nakuru

Nakuru County is gearing up to host the Eastern, Central, and Northern Africa Darts Championships, set for May 31 to June 1 at Lions Hall, with a promising rise in female participation.

Ten women darters from Nakuru are expected to compete, up from just four, in the first of four African Continental Tours (ACT) held in Nairobi in March.

According to Joseph Mwangi, the Nakuru Darts Secretary and co-owner of Flamingo Darts, this growth reflects a shift in the perception of darts among women in the county.

“The number may still seem modest,” he notes, “but compared to the last competition and the number of active female amateur players we have in Nakuru, this is an improvement and we are seeing real progress."

The increase in female participation speaks to a slow but steady dismantling of long-held stereotypes.

Historically, darts have been perceived as a male-dominated sport, often associated with bar culture and late-night matches.

“One of the main reasons women didn’t join was because of the environment in which darts were traditionally played. Games would run into odd hours, which wasn't safe or practical for women with families,” Mwangi explains.

However, this is changing. He says matches now typically wrap up between 7 and 8 p.m., making the sport more accessible and inclusive.

“We’re creating spaces where women feel welcome, respected, and safe. This more family-friendly approach has helped draw new faces to the sport,” says Mwangi.

Beyond safety and scheduling, organizers are also urging more women to participate as a means of strengthening the sport’s foundation and its rewards.

“With more female players, we can boost the prize money and the overall value of the competition,” he adds.

He also encourages the public to show up in support, stressing that darts aren't just for nightlife regulars.

“There’s this idea that darts is for alcohol revelers, but in this setup, it’s different,” he said. “You can come with your family—there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

With Nakuru set to host this leg of the ACT, expectations are high for strong attendance and a professional standard of play.

Mwangi estimates that the tournament will attract an average of 100 professional darters, with 20–30 women participants expected, a promising number given past turnout.

While the tournament is self-sponsored, Nakuru is still expected to field a strong contingent, with over 30 men and 10 women from the county set to compete.