Neo Olengo in action in a past swimming championship at Kasarani/HANDOUTThe 10th edition of the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Junior, Senior, and Masters Championships, scheduled for October 16–19 at the Kasarani Aquatic Complex, will serve as a crucial qualifying event for the 2026 World Aquatics Championships in Beijing, China.
Athletes from across the continent will vie for the coveted “A” and “B” standard times that grant entry into the global event, which is expected to attract over 1,000 swimmers from more than 200 nations during six days of high-level competition.
Kenya, as host nation, will field a strong contingent of over 120 swimmers, represented by two elite teams featuring standout names such as Neo Olengo, Nadia Vusha, Aariana Barchha, and Tevin Waweru.
Kenya Aquatics Secretary General Collins Marigiri said home advantage presents a golden opportunity for Kenyan swimmers to punch their tickets to Beijing.
“This is a golden opportunity for our swimmers to attain the qualification and qualify for the World Championships, and I believe we will do well,” said Marigiri.
Team A will be under the guidance of veteran coach Abdulmalil Abdulmalik, while Team B will be led by Noni Katuga, the rising star of Kenyan coaching and head coach of Little Fish Swimming Club in Nairobi.
“We are working with our sponsors and partners alongside the government to ensure we have a world-class event,” added Marigiri, expressing optimism over financial support from the Ministry of Sports and corporate stakeholders.
So far, confirmed participants include South Africa, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea, Benin, and host Kenya. Invitations have also been extended to continental swimming powerhouses such as Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Marigiri said unity and support will be key as Kenya eyes continental honours and World Championship berths.
“We call upon all stakeholders to stand with our athletes as they chase both continental glory and global qualification,” he stated.
