Bodybuilding in Kenya

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Body building – the epitome of muscle definition. Bodybuilders are men and women who are not afraid to show you the muscle they’ve worked hard for… and boy do they work hard!

Besides flexing, there is focus on building specific muscle structures and the sports’ scoring is based on the symmetry one shows across the chest and back as well as the overall sculpted definition of muscle. Last but not least is a tingle of elegance as choreography also contributes to one’s final score.

In the late sixties, Kenya Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Association (KAWABA) was formed with Tom Omwombo as the presiding chairman.  Kenyans began taking an interest in both disciplines and for decades the two discplines were synonymous. But in 1996, the bodybuilding athletes put forward a petition that would separate the two sports and the following year the Kenya Bodybuilding Federation (KBBF) was formed with Salim Kalinga as the team’s first chair.

Turning our focus to individuals, Mickey Ragos was always interested in the road less travelled in sport and while in high school in Limuru, he tried out boxing. It took one match for him to realize that the ring wasn’t so much his forte given the injuries one often has to deal with. He turned his interest to bodybuilding and immersed himself into the world of bodybuilding, spending endless hours in the gym during his spare time, building muscle as it was a prerequisite of joining the sport competitively. Mickey was first choice during the reformation of KBBF in 1996 Fwhen the need to have an ambassador arose.  He went on to win the Mr. Kenya title for eleven years consecutively.

Mickey Ragos has mentored several bodybuilders who have gone on to make a name for themselves in the sport over the years. Francis Mapenzi and Chris Taabu dominated the 80s, Chem Chweya conquered the 90s, William Cassidy, Paul Mwangale and Meshack Ochiengwere crowned at the beginning of the 21^st century. Michael Otieno took the award in 2015, and Rashid Issa was our national champion in 2018. All champs these and builders have built a name for themselves as leaders, using their prowess in lifting up this outstanding sport.

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