Kenya selects four swimmers for Commonwealth Youth Games

By Lawrence Ongaro

The Kenya Aquatics National Swimming Championship was held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, from May 29 to 31, attracting participants from four countries: Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Malawi.

Following the competition, four Kenyan swimmers who met the qualification standards have been selected to begin preparations for the Commonwealth Youth Games, which will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 29 to August 2.

The selected team comprises two male and two female swimmers. The boys’ team will be represented by Stephen Ndegwa and Hanniel Kutwoli, while Sarah Mose and Imara Thorpe will represent the girls.

According to George Munene, a senior official at the Kenya Swimming Federation (KSF), the swimmers will continue with intensive training as they prepare for the international competition.

Swimming rebounds after years of suspension

Speaking in a recent interview with TV47, Munene said swimming is steadily gaining momentum across the country, particularly in different counties, following the election of new officials to lead the federation.

He noted that Dr. Maureen Owiti, the president of the swimming federation, working together with the federation’s executive committee, has introduced ambitious strategies aimed at revitalizing the sport.

One of the swimmers in action during the Kenya Aquatics National Swimming Championship at the Moi International Sports Centre swimming pool in Kasarani. Photo/Courtesy

“The federation had previously been suspended after failing to elect officials, leaving the sport inactive for eight years,” Munene said.

He added that since the election of the new leadership, swimming has experienced significant growth and development.

Munene further revealed that the federation has launched grassroots programs aimed at expanding the sport across various counties.

Push to expand swimming in schools

Nesmus Mbati, a public relations officer in Kiambu County, said the sport is growing rapidly, including in schools for learners with disabilities such as Joy Town School in Thika.

“We want to ensure the sport is promoted in all 47 counties so that students can acquire swimming skills,” Mbati said.

Kenya Swimming Federation (KSF) official George Munene (right) poses with some of the medal-winning swimmers during the championship. Photo/Lawrence Ongaro

He disclosed that consultations have already been held with Kimani Wamatangi, and an agreement was reached to introduce swimming lessons in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres to nurture more talent from a young age.

Another Kiambu County official, Veronica Maina, said swimming has transformed the lives of many students, some of whom have secured scholarships to study abroad through the sport.

“Swimming has already gained considerable popularity in many primary and secondary schools across the country,” she said.

Recently, the Kiambu Aquatics Swimming Championship was held at Porthouse Senior School, bringing together 400 swimmers from 41 schools.

Some of the institutions that participated in the event included Aga Khan Academy, Juja Preparatory School, Kiota School, M-Pesa Foundation Academy, Leyia Swimming Club, and Mombasa Aquatics.