Kenya Amateur Wrestling Association (KAWA) Secretary General Eric Walucho has announced that the government will sponsor 10 wrestlers to compete at the World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 23 to November 1, 2026.
Walucho told Justice Gauge on Sunday, October 11, that the team would begin residential training on Monday, October 12, at Mtaalam Wrestling Club in Ruiru, Kiambu County, where the athletes will camp until October 22 before travelling to Kazakhstan.
The wrestlers have been training at their respective clubs in preparation for the global competition, which will bring together some of the world's top performers.
In the squad are Mahabila Mathayo, Eugean Osale, Joel Tukai, Alphonse Ngumba, Faith Wamalwa, Yvonne Masibo, Ashly Odongo and Vivian Adhiambo.
Walucho noted that the residential camp would enable the wrestlers to train together, sharpen their techniques and strengthen their readiness for the demanding international assignment.
The government sponsorship is expected to ease the team's participation in the championships and give the Kenyan wrestlers an opportunity to measure themselves against elite international opponents.
The competition will also form part of Kenya's broader preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States, with the experience expected to help the athletes assess their progress and identify areas requiring improvement.
"The programme is part of a wider development plan aimed at preparing Kenyan wrestlers for major international assignments," disclosed Walucho.
Kenya's participation in Astana is expected to contribute to the country's efforts to improve its international standing while building a stronger foundation for future competitions.
Meanwhile, KAWA is also preparing a youth team for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, with residential training expected to begin after the athletes complete their school examinations by the middle of next week.
Walucho said the team would be led by Jemimah Nakhumicha and Calvin Nyatuka, who will represent Kenya at the youth competition.
The two wrestlers will be supported by sparring partners Joy Lichuma, Janet Ingwesi, Dan Kegode, Clinton Omari and Vincent Waweru, who are expected to help them sharpen their techniques and improve their match readiness.
According to Walucho, the athletes will travel to Senegal on October 29 for an acclimatisation camp running until November 5, when the Kenyan delegation is scheduled to move into the Olympic Village.
The wrestling competition is scheduled for November 7-8, giving the Kenyan athletes time to adjust to the local environment and prepare for their bouts against international opponents.
Walucho observed that the preparations would take into account the athletes' academic commitments, with residential training beginning after their examinations.
The Dakar assignment is another opportunity for Kenya to nurture young wrestling talent and expose emerging athletes to the demands of major international competition.
The association hopes the experience gained in both Astana and Dakar will strengthen its development programme and help position Kenyan wrestlers for future international assignments, including the road to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
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