Kenya gears up to host Africa Aquatics Championships at Kasarani

From October 16 to 19, 2025, the country will proudly host the Africa Aquatics (AA) Zone 3 Junior, Senior, and Masters Swimming Championships at the Moi International Aquatics Stadium in Kasarani, Nairobi.

This is no ordinary meet. It will be the third time Kenya welcomes the AA Zone 3 championships, a feat that underscores the country’s growing stature as a central hub for aquatic sports in East and Central Africa.

Previous editions have not only showcased Kenya’s cutting-edge facilities but also proven the nation’s ability to organize international events with precision and flair.

The atmosphere in Kenya is still charged with the energy of CHAN, and organizers believe this excitement will seamlessly carry over into the aquatics championships.

Dr. Maureen Owiti, President of Kenya Aquatics, together with her team, has been actively meeting potential partners and sponsors to ensure the event makes waves beyond the pool.

“Every successful championship brings not just medals but opportunities — for our athletes, our country, and our partners,” Dr. Owiti told stakeholders in Westlands during a recent engagement session.

At the same gathering, Heize Kahindo, Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and an Executive Committee Member of Kenya Aquatics, confirmed that more than 15 nations, including powerhouse South Africa, have signaled participation.

“Kenyans love big sports events,” Kahindo said. “We’ve put in place the plans to make this championship a spectacle — something that will draw Kenyans from all walks of life. With CHAN still fresh in the nation’s memory, we’re ready to transfer that euphoria to Kasarani. It’s fertile ground for publicity, partnerships, marketing and national pride.”

This will not just be a sporting event; it is set to become a national showcase. Invitations have already been sent to President William Samoei Ruto, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya, alongside senior government officials and dignitaries.

Their presence would underline the importance of aquatics in the country’s evolving sporting culture and help push the sport further into the national conversation.

The championships will bring together Africa’s top junior, senior, and masters swimmers, all chasing medals, continental glory, and crucial World Aquatics ranking points.

For many, this is a vital step on the road to global competitions, and for the host nation, it is a moment to inspire a new generation of swimmers.

The championship has been sanctioned by World Aquatics and will mark as a qualifier for the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Beijing in 2026. 

Spectators can expect fierce rivalries, new records, and memorable stories in the water — from rising teenage prodigies to seasoned masters who continue to define endurance and discipline.

Chairperson Heize Kahindo emphasized that the Local Organising Committee understands the weight of expectation.

“It is an honour to accept this responsibility, not just for myself but for my fellow committee members. To lead is to serve. We know what is expected of us, and we are determined to deliver a championship that makes Kenya proud.”

The LOC has promised smooth logistics, world-class facilities, and a festival atmosphere around the event. This championship is more than sport.

It is an opportunity for fans to witness Africa’s finest swimmers competing at home and sponsors coming on board to align their brands with excellence, national pride, and international visibility.

From October 16 to 19, Kasarani will not just be a pool deck; it will be the stage where Africa’s aquatic stars chase glory, and Kenya once again proves it can host the continent with class.