The Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) has challenged the government and the corporate sector to invest in modern indoor gymnasiums, saying inadequate facilities have denied the country the chance to host major continental volleyball tournaments for more than a decade.
Speaking during the launch of the 2026 CAVB African Women's Nations Volleyball Championship logo at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Tuesday, KVF president Charles Nyaberi revealed that Kenya requires at least two or three indoor arenas in Nairobi of Kasarani's standard to meet Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) hosting requirements.
Nyaberi explained that although Kenya successfully staged the continental championship before 2015 using Kasarani as the sole venue, revised CAVB regulations now require multiple competition-standard indoor facilities.
"We used to host this championship with Kasarani only available, but the rules changed after 2015 and that is the reason we have not hosted it. We are happy that it is back because we also have an indoor facility at Ulinzi Sports Complex, but we need more indoor competition and training facilities like Rwanda if we are to host future events," stressed Nyaberi.
He noted that the facilities would not only benefit volleyball, but also other indoor sports such as basketball, handball and badminton.
Nyaberi praised the government's commitment to the championship, revealing it had settled the hosting fee, players' allowances and accommodation costs for nearly 20 international officials expected for the tournament. He also acknowledged support from sponsors KCB Bank, Mozzart Bet, betPawa and Deep Heat, adding that KCB has been paying the KES 120,000 daily fee for KVF's use of Kasarani during league and Kenya Cup matches.
Scheduled for August 23 to September 5, the African championship will serve as Africa's qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, with only one ticket available. The event has attracted 16 nations, including Kenya's bitter rivals Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia and Cameroon.
Democratic Republic of Congo, coached by a Kenyan technical bench led by Paul Gitau, arrived in Nairobi three days ago to begin preparations.
Defending champions Malkia Strikers held a training session at Kasarani under strength and conditioning coach Jeff Onyango just before the official launch.
Team captain Meldina Sande expressed confidence in Kenya's chances of retaining the title, while acknowledging that North African sides and Cameroon would provide stern opposition.
Head coach Geoffrey Omondi disclosed that the team's ultimate objective is to secure a place at the Los Angeles Olympics.
"We have one mission and that is to reach the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. We can only achieve that by winning the African Championship," explained Omondi.
He urged Kenyan fans to fill Kasarani and provide the home support needed to inspire the team, while admitting the pressure that comes with playing before home supporters.
"Nonetheless, we are up to the challenge," he added.
Experienced international Veronica Adhiambo, who is set to play in China next season, also backed Kenya's chances and appealed to fans to turn out in large numbers.
The launch was attended by KVF vice-president Paul Bitok and Ministry of Youth, Creative Economy and Sports representative Joel Atuti, who welcomed the qualification of the men's national team, Wafalme Strikers, for the African Men's Championship in Kinshasa, DR Congo, which will be held immediately after the women's tournament in Nairobi.
