Kenya Aquatics technical director, Omar Omari, has announced sweeping reforms as they seek to introduce structured tiers for both coaches and officials.
The initiative aims to professionalise the sport, raise standards, and ensure integrity as Kenya prepares to compete on the world stage.
Under the new system, coaches will be graded into four tiers featuring foundation coach, assistant coach, development coach, and elite/performance coach, with each cadre reflecting a coach’s qualifications, experience, and track record.
At the foundation level, Omari said coaches will focus on learn-to-swim programmes and water safety while ensuring beginners build confidence in the water.
“ Assistant coaches will work alongside more experienced trainers while guiding swimmers transitioning from basics to competition readiness.
He added, “Development coaches will specialise in nurturing competitive swimmers at the club level, refining technique and preparing athletes for advanced stages. At the very top, elite/performance coaches will handle national and international-level swimmers, focusing on advanced training, discipline, and performance optimisation.
“This is a big step for our sport,” said coach Brian Macharia, a Kiambu-based trainer who has been working with age-group swimmers for over a decade.
“For too long, parents and swimmers had no benchmark to know who was qualified to handle what level. With this system, there will be clarity, and coaches will also have a pathway to grow their careers.
Parents, too, are welcoming the proposal with optimism. Noel Musyoka, whose two children swim competitively at club level, said the new system will make it easier for families to know where to place their children.
“Sometimes you take your child to a programme and later realise the coach doesn’t have the experience to guide them to the next level. This structure will help us make informed decisions from the start,” she said.
The grading system will also include regular reviews to ensure coaches maintain high standards, adhere to codes of conduct, and continually improve their skills.
Officials believe the framework will not only boost transparency but also strengthen Kenya’s long-term performance in the sport. "We want swimming in Kenya to be safe, professional, and competitive,” Omari noted.
“By categorising coaches, we give them recognition, encourage discipline, and ultimately raise the level of the sport nationwide.”
Omari revealed that a list of top-tier officials is already being compiled and will soon undergo online training for the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championship, which the country is hosting in October.
