Swimmers at the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championships held at Kasarani Aquatic Centre/HANDOUT Buoyed by their dominant display at the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championships, Kenyan swimmers now have their sights on further success at the Africa Youth Games in Angola from December 10 to 20.
The event is a qualifier for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, Africa’s first-ever Olympic competition, scheduled for November 2026 in Senegal.
Kenya Aquatics secretary-general Collins Marigi expressed confidence in the team’s winning mentality.
“From the performance and results we saw a fortnight ago at Kasarani, our swimmers are in good shape. The confidence level is quite good and even though the competition will be stiff, we can do well,” said Marigi.
A provisional list of swimmers and coaches has already been submitted to the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), with final selections expected within two weeks.
“We are working with NOCK, who will give us the available slots for swimmers we can take, and in the next two weeks, we should be able to announce the squad,” he said.
Selection will be purely on merit and performance, assuring transparency in the process.
“We will pick the best swimmers to represent the country based on FINA points and key performance indicators,” he added.
The federation views the Africa Youth Games as a stepping stone toward a larger goal — establishing Kenya as a continental force in aquatic sports. Beyond medals, Kenya Aquatics aims to attract sponsors, expand grassroots programmes and position the country as a regional training hub.
“We’re building a legacy,” said Marigi. “This is about more than winning. It’s about creating a swimming culture that inspires the next generation to dive in and chase their dreams.”
Meanwhile, the Kenya Aquatics National Short Course Championships will take place at the Bandari Maritime Academy from December 4 to 7.
The gala is expected to attract over 600 athletes and 50 teams, featuring all major events — freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, medleys, and open-water races — and will also serve as a qualifier for the 2026 World Aquatics Championships in Beijing.
“Preparations are in top gear,” said Marigi. “We’re ready for an exciting championship that will showcase our talent and strengthen regional friendships through swimming.”
