Three Kenyan boxers storm African Championships finals in Nairobi

Three Kenyan boxers have qualified for the finals of the 2026 African Boxing Championships in Nairobi, keeping the hosts’ hopes of winning medals alive.

Grace Atieno, Elizabeth Akinyi and super heavyweight Clinton Macharia led Kenya’s charge at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Indoor Arena, with convincing performances in their respective semifinal bouts.

Minimumweight Atieno advanced in the women’s 46-48kg category after defeating Uganda’s Wakawoza Rasjida in a referee-stopped contest. The 19-year-old applied relentless pressure from the opening bell, forcing her opponent to abandon the fight.

Akinyi also booked her place in the final in the women’s 75-80kg division after overcoming Tanzania’s Hidaya Zahoro by referee-stopped contest.

In the men’s competition, Macharia edged Uganda’s Tabule Emmanuel 3-2 on split decision in a closely contested super heavyweight bout to secure his place in the final.

However, it was a mixed day for the Kenyan team, with Amina Martha losing to Nigeria’s Ajishola Khadijat in the women’s 51-54kg bantamweight semifinals. Emmanuel Odhiambo also bowed out after losing to Uganda’s Samuel Msubuga in the men’s 50-55kg category.

Seven more Kenyan boxers are scheduled to contest their semifinals as the Hit Squad seeks to increase the country’s representation in the finals.

In the women’s draw, Veronica Mbithe will face Uganda’s Muuwa Brenda in the flyweight division, while Rosemarion Atieno takes on Egypt’s Mohammed Rahma in the lightweight category.

In the men’s competition, Kelvin Maina will meet Equatorial Guinea’s Israel Mbagga, while team captain Boniface Mugunde faces Algeria’s Youchef Islam. Edwin Okongo is set to battle Egypt’s Alawady Omar, Steve Onyango takes on Seychelles’ Jade Micock, and heavyweight Peter Abuti faces Egypt’s Mohammed Hussein.

The Boxing Federation of Kenya has adjusted the competition schedule due to venue-booking constraints, with the finals set for Thursday, October 22, from 1:30pm.

Kenya will be hoping its growing contingent of finalists can convert their progress into medals as the continental championships reach their climax on home soil.