KVF ramps up preparations ahead of African Volleyball Champs

Speaking on Tuesday at the Kasarani Gymnasium during the official logo launch for the continental event, Nyaberi highlighted that Kenya's lack of modern, international-standard facilities has prevented the nation from hosting international tournaments for over a decade.

The Kasarani Indoor Arena is the only indoor facility that meets international standards in the country, and the government is currently racing against time to upgrade Ulinzi Complex to be used as the alternative venue during the biennial championship.

“We will be hosting this championship here after a lapse of more than 11 years. The real reason behind the fact that we were not hosting is not because we didn't want to host, but there is a caveat that for us to host any international games, we must have at least two up-to-standard international competition gyms," Nyaberi noted.

The KVF boss revealed that hosting requirements mandate two primary match venues along with several smaller facilities for training.

He urged the government and the corporate sector to invest in building more world-class indoor arenas to secure Kenya's long-term hosting capabilities.

"We are appealing to the corporate world plus the government departments to please see to it that we get up-to-standard international playing indoor facilities so that in future we can be in a good position," he added.

Beyond infrastructure, the KVF chief emphasized that home-court advantage relies heavily on vibrant support from local fans.

He called on Kenyan volleyball enthusiasts to turn out in large numbers and create an electric atmosphere for the national team.

"Home ground only makes sense with a big fan base and a big fan turnout, we are appealing to the Kenyan volleyball supporters to turn out in big numbers so that our Malkia Strikers can enjoy not just playing on home soil, but also being cheered on by the home crowd," he stated.

Kenya is hosting the championship for the first time since 2015 when Malkia Strikers, under the tutelage of David Lung'aho, defeated Algeria 3-0 sets to lift the title at Kasarani.

The tournament will feature 16 teams and serves as a qualification pathway for both the 2027 FIVB Women's World Championship in Poland and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Malkia Strikers will be seeking a record-extending 11th title on home soil after defeating Egypt 3-0 sets to win the 2023 edition and end Cameroon’s eight-year dominance.

FIVB President Fabio Azevedo and four vice presidents are scheduled to grace the week-long event.