Bujumbura, Burundi | Kenya’s Beach volleyball teams endured a challenging start on the opening day of the CAVB Zone V Beach Volleyball Championship, currently underway at Eden Garden Resort in Bujumbura, Burundi.
In the men’s category, Kenya’s pair of Betwel Kiplagat and Emmanuel Kipkirui went down 0-2 (15-21, 15-21) to Burundi’s Jean Luc Tuyaga and Christ Ornel Mukunzi in their Pool B opener.
In another encounter, Elphas Kirwa and Reagan Kipchirchir put up a brave fight but narrowly lost 1-2 (19-21, 21-16, 10-15) to Tanzania’s Saidi Alhaji and Selemani Hassani.
On the women’s side, the Kenyan duo of Esther Mwise and Ann Akiru Ekuam had a tough outing, losing 0-2 (13-21, 6-21) to Uganda’s Nancy Chebet and Peace Busingye, before falling by the same margin 0-2 (4-21, 1-21) to Burundi’s Emmanuelle Ndayikengurukiye and Pamela Irakooze.
Despite the results, the exposure is part of a long-term development plan by the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) to nurture young talent and prepare them for major continental events.
“These are our junior teams, and this event is a great opportunity for them to learn and grow by gaining valuable experience against senior national teams. It’s an important step in their preparation for the upcoming Continental Championship in Angola,” said KVF President Charles Nyaberi.
Day One Results – Thursday, 23rd October 2025
The championship continues in Bujumbura, and the young Kenyan teams will be looking to improve in their next matches as they gain more confidence and experience.
Day Two Match Schedule – Friday, 24th October 2025
