Nairobi, Kenya | Kenya has made significant progress in its preparations to host the 2026 Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship, with the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) confirming it is above 50 per cent ready following a three-day inspection tour from the African Volleyball Confederation officials.
The inspection team, led by CAVB Zone 5 President Nasiwu Zaid Sadik of Uganda, toured Kasarani Stadium – the main competition arena – along with two additional halls at Brookhouse School in Runda and the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
KVF Deputy President Paul Bitok on Friday said the federation now has three confirmed venues for the tournament, scheduled for August 23 to September 5 in Nairobi.
Bitok acknowledged past difficulties in securing suitable secondary venues, noting that Nyayo Stadium no longer meets international standards.
He revealed that Brookhouse Arena in Runda was only recently identified as a viable second hall.
“We ask government when they are planning for stadia and facilities for football, to also include volleyball,” Bitok said, stressing the need for better long-term planning to support the sport.
Nasiwu Zaid Sadik, who is heading the inspection, gave a broadly positive assessment but highlighted areas requiring urgent attention.
He praised Kasarani as a strong main venue but pointed out that it lacks regular maintenance, with several small but important details missing.
He also noted that the training halls, while functional, do not yet fully meet competition standards.
“The biggest assignment is to make sure that the competition halls and competition facilities are brought to the standards required of this international tournament,” Sadik said.
The Ugandan confirmed that the inspection team had issued clear timelines and will produce a primary report outlining the gaps. A final inspection is expected in approximately one month.
Despite the remaining work, Sadik expressed strong confidence in Kenya’s ability to deliver.
“I have the confidence that Kenya can do this, and by the time we come back in one month from now, most of these things will be done,” he added.
“The beauty of it, the tournament is in August – there is some time and I believe if we harness this time properly, Kenya has the ability to host this tournament.”
Hotels inspected were described as satisfactory with minimal work required. The delegation is expected to submit its full report to the KVF in the coming days, allowing the federation to address the outstanding issues before the final CAVB approval.
The championship, which will attract 16 teams, including Malkia Strikers as the defending champions, will serve as the qualification pathway for both the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA, and the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship in Poland.
A Citizen Digital Report.
