Nairobi readies to host 2026 ANOCA Zone 5 Youth Games

Kenya is set to host the 2026 ANOCA Zone 5 Youth Games in Nairobi from August 24 to 28, bringing together over 300 young athletes and teams from 11 countries across the Zone V region to compete in seven disciplines.

The continental showpiece returns to East Africa after a seven-year hiatus, with this year’s edition attracting 11 countries across Zone Five including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Burundi, Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Egypt.

The youngsters will showcase their skills across eight major sports disciplines, including athletics, swimming, 3x3 basketball, judo, cycling, tennis and beach volleyball.

Beyond regional honours, the championship provides a vital competitive benchmark and pathway for athletes preparing for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games.

Speaking during the official launch at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi on Wednesday, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya emphasised the strategic impact of hosting the regional tournament.

“Hosting ANOCA Zone 5 is not just about sports, it is an opportunity to spur regional integration, build diplomatic bridges and inspire our youth,” CS Mvurya stated.

“We are bringing East Africa together after seven years, and the government has committed a whole-of-government approach to ensure top-notch security, hospitality and organizational success,” he added.

National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) president Shadrack Maluki urged Team Kenya to compete with a sense of duty, highlighting the commitment to youth empowerment and long-term athletic growth.

“Represent Kenya with pride, discipline and unity. You are the face of a rising generation, carry our flag with honour and let the continent feel your presence,” Maluki remarked.

He further emphasized the organizational goal of the committee noting that in partnership with the government, they will make efforts to make sure the talents for future generations are secured and natured early enough.

“Our goal in partnership with the government is to make sports a reliable industry and a primary employer for the next generation. Kenya has proved its prowess on the field and hosting this tournament proves we have what it takes to organize major international events,” he added.

Affirming Kenya's readiness to host major international showpieces, Maluki sent a request to African sports ministers to advocate for future Commonwealth Games to be hosted on the continent more so in Kenya.

“We have exhibited our prowess as a sporting nation. With the infrastructure and government support now coming into place, Kenya has what it takes to host global events.

Sports is the biggest employer for our youth and together with the ministry, we are taking it to the highest level,” Maluki concluded.

With Kenyatta University serving as the central operational hub, the ministry of sports and NOC-K continue working alongside the Kenya Academy of Sports to ensure a seamless talent pipeline from school competitions to elite international platforms.