A total of 500 participants from 41 schools and swimming clubs are expected at the National Short Course Swimming Championship at the Mpesa Foundation Academy in Kiambu next month.
The clubs include Seahorses, Supermarlins, Braeburn, Kisumu Aquatics, Torpedo from Eldoret, Bandari, Mombasa Aquatics and Blue Oceans with Torpedo Kampala interested.
Nova Pioneer, St. Christopher's School, Riara, School of the Nations and Potterhouse School are among the institutional teams enlisted.
The event will mark the first national meet in Kiambu County and the larger Mt. Kenya Region since Kenya's independence.
To ensure the highest standard and quality, the championship will enforce competitive qualifying times as per World Aquatics Rules.
The event is backed by Optiven Real Estate, Avenue Group, ICEA Insurance, Kingdom Bank, Zetech University and Touride Adventures.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi is expected to grace the event.
He will use the platform to highlight the government’s dedication to monetise sports through initiatives like Talanta Hela.
Speaking recently, Wamatangi underscored the economic and social benefits of sports, referencing prominent athletes such as the Dunford brothers, Ferdinand Omanyala and Eliud Kipchoge.
He also illustrated sports' transformative power in tackling societal challenges like drug abuse, early pregnancies and crime.
Kenya Aquatics Executive Committee member Heize Kahindo is expecting a competitive championship, especially with the entry of Ugandan swimmers.
“This is one of the biggest events on our calendar and preparations have started in earnest. We do have a month to get everything set for the event. We expect more to register," he said.
