Kenya's young fencer Vivian Akoth/HANDOUTKenya’s rising fencer Vivian Akoth has set her sights on becoming East Africa’s top women’s fencer after securing two podium finishes at the recently concluded East Africa Fencing League.
Akoth, 20, won the women’s foil category and tied for third in epee. She topped the foil field ahead of Angel Achieng and Diana Maina, before claiming a podium place in epee, where Rwanda’s Uwihoreye Tufaha and Kenya’s Achieng finished first and second respectively.
The event marked a major step in her young career, coming just one year after she began fencing. Speaking after the competition, Akoth said the results had strengthened her ambition to rise beyond the region. “I target to be top in East Africa and beyond,” she said.
“I will put more effort into being first.” Her epee performance was particularly significant, as it was her first time competing in the discipline. She admitted her confidence wavered after losing her opening bout 5–0 to an experienced opponent.
“I thought that was the end of me,” Akoth said. “I got a bit discouraged, but my coach encouraged me. He told me to focus on my strengths, study my opponent and control the pace. In the end, it worked.”
Akoth said the challenge sharpened her mindset and highlighted areas she plans to improve when she returns to training after a one-week break. “Going forward, I look to polish my strategies and mindset before heading into matches,” she said.
“I want to work harder and emerge victorious in everything I do.” She also credited her background as a key motivator, saying it continues to drive her to redefine her future through sport.
“My motivation is my background,” she said. “I look to change my narrative, to become a better person and make my own identity.” Her rise comes as more young women across East Africa take up fencing, a sport still developing in the region and traditionally viewed as a niche.
The East Africa Fencing League recorded increased female participation this season, with Kenya producing some of the strongest performers. Akoth believes that with more structured training and competitive exposure, Kenyan women can challenge for regional dominance.
