Mvurya rallies Malkia Strikers to "conquer" Africa as CAVB Championship serves off

“You can not afford to lose this one.”

Those were the words of the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, to the Kenya women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, during the team’s flag-off ceremony at Talanta Plaza, Upper Hill, Nairobi, on Monday.

Mvurya’s rallying call came hours before the start of the 2026 CAVB Women’s Nations Volleyball Championship, which is set to be staged at the Kasarani Indoor Arena and Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata.

The CS challenged the team to retain the African title, which would see them qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and next year’s World Championships.

“We can not afford to lose this one. This event is a qualifier for two championships, and therefore, I call on you to do the needful. I’m happy that we are hosting this event. We have the advantage of being the host, but more so, the fact that you will be representing 55 million Kenyans is motivation enough," Mvurya added.

“It’s a 10-day event, and Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi and I will make an effort to attend some of the matches. I will also talk to President William Ruto to ensure that your efforts are rewarded. We are giving you the flag with pride, but please return it with honour,” said the CS.

“We are coming up with a sports policy that we hope Parliament will embrace, where we intend to commercialise sports so that players across various disciplines in the country can earn from their talents. We want to elevate sport and make it a livelihood.

“I’m happy that hosting this event will put our country on the map in matters of tourism and hospitality. At the end of it all, I’m optimistic that we will win the title for the eleventh time,” he concluded.

The CS was responding to a plea by Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) president Charles Nyaberi, who had requested the Ministry to allow FIVB President Fabio Azevedo to pay the team a courtesy call while in the country between September 2 and 5.

PS Mwangi praised the federation for being accountable and transparent in its financial dealings.

Nyaberi lauded the Ministry for its continued support, saying the partnership could only get better.

Team head coach Geoffrey Omondi and captain Meldina Sande, speaking in unison, said the team had prepared well and was keen to retain the title.

 

However, they urged the CS to reward them handsomely should they succeed.

“We acknowledge the Ministry’s support and sponsorship. Please continue with that spirit. If you can, please find time to come and cheer us on. We will also be happy and glad if the President can create time to come, support us, and watch us play,” said Sande.