Kenyans continue dominance at Africa Rafting Champs in Murang'a

The Kenyan men team emerged victorious in the slalom race clocking 4 minutes 38.59 seconds ahead of Somalia who came home second with a time of 5 minutes 57:18 seconds while South Sudan rounded up the podium in 7 minutes 44.16 seconds.

Kenya also reigned supreme in the women’s category, timing 8:16:09 followed by South Sudan at 10:55:47 while Nigeria completed the podium with a time of 12:17:06.

The high-stakes event has brought together rafting teams from across the continent, and Kenya is proving to be the powerhouse in the competition.

It is an important milestone in the build-up to next year’s full series of continental championships (Africa, Europe, Pan-America, Asia) under the global rafting calendar.

The remaining races—RX men, women, and mixed—are set to be held on Saturday, with the finals scheduled for Sunday, where the best teams will be crowned champions of the 2025 African Rafting Championships.

Speaking during the event, African Rafting Federation chairman Belabbas El Mamou revealed that plans are underway to organise a Rafting World Cup next year, with Kenya set to host the global competition.

Meanwhile, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has said that the national government will partner with county governments to ensure full utilization of tourism products found across the counties.

Miano emphasized that Kenya holds great potential not only for domestic tourism but also as a prime destination for international visitors, thanks to its diverse natural and cultural attractions.

Speaking during the flagging off of the championship along River Sagana in Murang’a County, the CS noted that collaboration between national and county governments is key to unlocking economic opportunities through tourism.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata applauded the event, saying it was a major step in marketing the county’s untapped adventure tourism potential.

He noted that such competitions will not only place Murang’a on the map but also stimulate the local economy by creating opportunities for traders, hoteliers, and transport operators.

The rafting competition, which brought together participants from across the continent, is seen as a bold move to promote sports tourism and position Murang’a as a go-to destination for thrill seekers and nature lovers.