Kenya Aquatics will field a team of 20 Masters swimmers at the South Africa Swimming Championships scheduled for March 11–14, 2026, in George, as the country continues to strengthen its presence in continental Masters swimming.
Kenya Aquatics liaison officer George Munene said the championships will also double as a crucial qualifying meet for upcoming international Masters events, including the inaugural Africa Aquatics Masters Swimming Championship set for Accra, Ghana, in May 2026.
He noted that strong performances in George will place Kenyan swimmers in a favourable position for selection and seeding at the continental championships.
Team Kenya will face stiff competition from swimmers representing South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, and other African nations. Munene expects a highly competitive event.
“It will be a good contest for our Masters swimmers. We will be up against the best on the continent, and it will be great to have East Africa represented over the three days,” said Munene.
Munene also revealed that Kenya Aquatics has committed to fully backing its Masters team and is actively engaging the Ministry of Sports to secure financial support.
He expressed confidence that government assistance would be forthcoming, citing the growing importance of Masters swimming within Kenya’s competitive framework.
“Some of these Masters are extremely competitive and in many cases post times that match or even beat junior swimmers,” Munene said.
“For example, Boit Kiptolo of NextGen clocked 28 seconds in the 50-metre butterfly in the 30–35 age group at last year’s 10th Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Swimming Championship in Kasarani. That kind of performance shows the quality we are taking to South Africa.”
The championships will be staged at world-class aquatic facilities in George, with technical support from experienced officials and volunteers drawn from clubs across South Africa.
The venue is renowned for hosting elite-level competitions and providing conditions that meet international racing standards.
The event is organised by the Fish Eagle Masters Swimming Club in partnership with the George Municipality, Eden Aquatics, and several private sponsors. It is officially sanctioned by Swimming South Africa, giving it full recognition within the continental and global Masters swimming calendar.
Meanwhile, Kenya Aquatics has extended an open invitation to Masters swimmers from across the world to participate in the annual Kenya National Masters Swimming Championship, scheduled for April 11, 2026, at the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa.
The event continues to grow in stature as one of the region’s leading Masters swimming competitions.
by WILLIAM NJUGUNA
