Kenya Aquatics names squad for Africa Zone III Championships

Kenya Aquatics has unveiled a record-breaking squad of 73 Masters swimmers who will don national colors at the 10th Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Swimming Championship, set for October 16–19, 2025, at the iconic Kasarani Aquatic Stadium.

The continental event will draw athletes from over 15 African nations and will be graced by high-ranking dignitaries, including Africa Aquatics President Dr. Diop Mohammed. The competition features juniors, seniors, and masters, showcasing the full spectrum of the sport’s talent and diversity.

The Masters category—open to swimmers aged 25 and above—will highlight the resilience and spirit of seasoned athletes. Among the Kenyan contingent is 74-year-old Esther Kariuki, a living testament that age is no barrier to the pool.

Her story underscores the rising embrace of swimming across Kenya, not only as a leisure activity but also as a powerful tool for fitness and competitive excellence. Other legendary swimmers over 50 include; Sally Ndiri, Wanja Michuki, Anthony Nge'no, Carol Mbutura, Isaac Litaba, Samuel Litaba and many others.

The squad will be under the stewardship of Team Manager Winnie Warui, assisted by Nasser Motha, with Head Coach Gedion Kioko overseeing technical preparations. Leadership within the pool will come from captains Su Kahumbu and Julian Kajwang (women) and Leland Salano and Geoffrey Watene (men).

“This is the largest Masters squad ever assembled for the national team,” said Omar Ali Omari, Technical Director Kenya Aquatics, reflecting on the sport’s remarkable growth. “It shows that swimming is no longer a fringe pursuit—it’s becoming part of Kenya’s sporting culture.”

Omari emphasized the broader significance of the event, noting that swimming should be embraced as a national agenda, especially in combating lifestyle-related diseases. “Swimming works every part of the body, yet remains one of the lowest-impact sports in terms of injury. It’s both fitness and fun—Kenya needs to embrace it fully.”

Kenya Aquatics has called upon fans to turn up in large numbers at Kasarani to cheer the home squad, urging sponsors and partners to step forward in support. The federation also awaits crucial government funding to ensure the championship is staged as a historic and successful event.

There are also plans for the team to have an audience with President William Ruto before or after the championship—an occasion that would echo his recent clarion call to the private sector to champion talent development.

The President’s involvement in the CHAN 2025 football success has inspired hopes that similar momentum can be brought into swimming.

Swimming in Kenya has had its highs and lows, but the current resurgence is reigniting hope. With the Kasarani championship set to showcase both emerging talent and experienced stalwarts, many believe the nation is on the cusp of rediscovering the golden days once symbolized by the legendary Dunford brothers.

For Kenya, this championship is more than medals—it is about rekindling a culture, uniting generations, and propelling the sport back into the limelight.

Looking beyond Kasarani, the Masters calendar remains packed. The next stop will be the Kiambu Aquatics Annual Masters Swimming Championship, scheduled for Saturday, 29 November 2025, at the heated pool of Potterhouse School in Runda Estate.

Backed by Genesis Sports Limited, the event carries extra weight as it serves as a qualifier for two major competitions—the 41st South Africa National Masters Swimming Championship in March 2026 and the Kenya Aquatics National Masters Swimming Championship in April 2026 in Mombasa.

This ensures that the energy and momentum sparked in Kasarani will flow directly into the international stage, keeping Kenyan Masters swimmers firmly on the path to greater glory.