Kenya’s Malkia Strikers seek global powerhouse status in Kenya; World Cup 2027 berth secured
Kenya’s ambition to become a global volleyball powerhouse gathers momentum – FIVB
Kenya’s ambition to establish itself as a powerhouse of volleyball in Africa and on the world stage has received strong backing during a series of high-level meetings between the FIVB, CAVB and leaders across Kenyan sport.
The meetings took place during the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Championship, where defending champions Kenya are looking to retain their continental crown and secure a ticket to the Olympic Games LA28. The team has already secured their place at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup 2027 having overcome Cameroon in the semi-final yesterday.
Against that backdrop, discussions with the Government of Kenya, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) and other sporting stakeholders focused on how the country can create even greater opportunities for volleyball athletes, coaches and communities.
Government backs Kenya’s volleyball ambitions
Kenya’s ambitions are underpinned by strong Government support and an already significant grassroots base. In a meeting with Minister of Sports Salim Mvurya, it was highlighted how volleyball is played in schools across the country, with beach volleyball also part of the national schools’ competition programme.
With the Malkia Strikers among Africa’s leading teams, the Government is keen to build on that momentum and rally even more Kenyans around the sport. The Ministry backed the ambition for Kenya to become a volleyball powerhouse and expressed its support for exploring an FIVB International Centre of Excellence (ICoE) in the country as part of that longer-term vision.
FIVB President Azevedo welcomed the Government’s commitment and highlighted volleyball’s accessibility and wider social value – bringing people together and building a better world through sport.
Strengthening ties across the Olympic Movement
Kenya’s Olympic ambitions were also central to discussions with NOC-K President Shadrack Maluki Kitili, Secretary General Ogolla John Onyango and members of their executive board. With the NOC working to qualify more Kenyan teams for LA28, volleyball and beach volleyball were identified as sports with significant potential.
The NOC-K reaffirmed its full support for Kenya’s men’s and women’s volleyball and beach volleyball programmes, highlighting the depth of talent already in the country and school participation. Particular emphasis was placed on accelerating beach volleyball, where the NOC sees considerable opportunity for future international success.
President Azevedo reiterated the FIVB’s readiness to invest and work alongside the Government, NOC-K and KVF to turn that potential into results, while CAVB President Bouchra Hajij thanked Kenya for hosting the continental championship and for its continued contribution to volleyball development across Africa.
Building a roadmap with the Kenya Volleyball Federation
In discussions with KVF, led by President Charles Nyaberi, attention turned to a long-term roadmap that can accelerate Kenya’s progress.
Through Volleyball Empowerment, Kenya has already benefited from over USD 695,000 in targeted FIVB support. The next phase will focus on how that investment can be built upon, with potential priorities including long-term coaching expertise for Kenya’s men’s and women’s national teams, alongside dedicated support to further develop Kenya’s beach volleyball programme.
Greater international exposure is also firmly on the agenda. A future Beach Pro Tour event and Age Group World Championship in Kenya could bring world-class competition to the country, while the FIVB’s global ICoE network could open opportunities for Kenyan national teams to train, learn and exchange expertise internationally.
Building on the support expressed by the Government, the FIVB and KVF also explored how an ICoE in Kenya could become a hub for high-performance training and knowledge sharing.
With volleyball and beach volleyball already reaching young people through schools, the Malkia Strikers competing for continental honours on home soil and strong support from Government, Kenya has a powerful platform from which to grow.
The opportunity now is to connect and enhance those strengths and turn Kenya’s volleyball ambition into sustained success on the biggest stages.
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