Kenya gearing up for 2025 Africa Sitting Volleyball Championship

The draws are out for the highly anticipated Africa Zone Sitting Volleyball Championship set to take place in Nairobi from July 1 to 10, 2025, with Kenya fielding both men's and women’s teams in what promises to be a thrilling continental event.

In the women’s draw, hosts Kenya are placed in a three-team group alongside Rwanda and Nigeria. The men’s competition features two groups: Kenya, Rwanda, and Algeria are slotted in Group A, while Group B consists of Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa. Kenya will open its campaign against Algeria in the men’s category, while the women will begin their journey facing Nigeria.

Currently, Federation Chairperson Doris Atieno has been overseeing training with 30 provisional players (15 per gender) at the Kasarani Indoor Gymnasium. However, in line with World Para Volley regulations, the squad will be trimmed to 14 players per team ahead of the tournament.

A closer look at the draw reveals a competitive setup: Kenya’s men’s group opponents, Rwanda and Algeria, both have continental experience and will be tough to overcome. The women’s pool appears even tighter, with Rwanda’s rising form and Nigeria’s physical style presenting serious threats.

The stakes are high. The top two teams from this championship will qualify for the 2025 Sitting Volleyball World Cup in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and eventually book a place in the 2026 World Championships in Hangzhou, China. Only two African slots are available for each gender, adding pressure on the hosts to not only deliver as organizers but also secure qualification.

With just days to go, the spotlight is now firmly on Kenya’s preparations. Federation chair remains optimistic, stating her focus is “to ensure Kenya not only hosts a memorable event but also shines and qualifies for the world stage.”