Monica Githinji
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Githinji, who coaches at Juja Preparatory and Senior School, is excited about the opportunity to guide some of the country’s rising talents in what is expected to be a fiercely contested regional competition.
“I’m grateful to Kenya Aquatics for the appointment. I promise to give my best and ensure our athletes perform at their highest level,” she said. “I call on all swimming fans and stakeholders to fill the stands at Kasarani, give our swimmers the support they need, and create that crucial home advantage.”
However, she bemoaned the lack of timely government support, especially in funding a pre-competition training camp.
“We are still waiting for government funding to help us stage a proper camp before the championship. That camp will be vital for testing the athletes’ mental and physical readiness and building team chemistry and unity,” she said.
Githinji rose to prominence during the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming Championships held in Singapore from July 11 to August 3, where she served as Kenya’s assistant coach. Working alongside Bandari Swimming Club’s Fakhry Mansoor, she gained valuable experience that she now hopes to bring into this regional assignment.
“The Singapore championship was an eye-opener. I’ll be leveraging that experience, where we were competitive, and I hope to replicate that level of performance with our swimmers here,” she noted.
Team Kenya B will feature a mix of promising swimmers. In the girls’ category are Sera Mawira, Aariana Warui, Isabella Popat, Zeinab Hassan, Paula Kamau and Makena Muthuri. The boys’ lineup includes Jeremy Haw, Ethan Mangi, Emmanuel Omondi and Jason Onyango.
The Africa Zone 3 Championships is a qualifier for the 2026 World Aquatics Championships in Beijing, the World Youth Games and the Commonwealth Games.
“There is a lot at stake for our swimmers,” Githinji said. “With qualification opportunities for major championships, I believe this will motivate them to give their best,” added Githinji.
