Kenya to compete at inaugural Africa Cup of Open Water Swimming in Guinea

Kenya is set to make a splash on the continental stage as it confirms participation in the first-ever Africa Cup of Open Water Swimming, slated for November 28 to December 1, 2025, on the picturesque Island of Soro in Guinea.

‎Kenya will be among the nations diving into history at the inaugural Africa Cup of Open Water Swimming a landmark event bringing together athletes from 54 African countries for a thrilling display of endurance, skill, and continental unity.

‎‎The announcement was made by Heize Kahindo, Executive Committee Member of Kenya Aquatics and the country’s Coordinator of Open Water Swimming, who confirmed that Kenya will send a strong contingent to the championship.

‎‎Kahindo hailed the competition as a breakthrough for African aquatics and a timely opportunity for Kenya’s open water swimmers to test their mettle against the continent’s elite.

‎“This competition gives our swimmers a new platform to compete at the highest level within Africa. We are committed to growing this discipline and showcasing our potential,” said Kahindo.

‎‎The Africa Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup is being organized by the Fédération Aquatique de Guinée (FAG) under the Africa Aquatics banner, with support from World Aquatics.

Guinea’s hosting of the inaugural edition underscores its growing ambition to make Conakry a hub for aquatic sports in Africa.

‎‎The championship will feature men’s and women’s races for swimmers aged 14 and above, including 3 km and 5 km events, a mixed relay (4 x 1500 m), and a community race for local participants.

Top performers will be awarded cash prizes, giving the event a professional and competitive edge.

‎‎The sport has seen a surge in popularity across Africa. Just last month, Mombasa successfully hosted the Africa Aquatics Junior and Senior Open Water Championships, attracting competitors from ten nations.

The event, graced by Africa Aquatics President Dr. Diop Mohammed,marked a milestone for Kenya as an emerging force in aquatic sports.

‎‎Building on that momentum, the Guinea championship is expected to foster stronger collaboration among African federations while giving young swimmers international exposure.

‎In addition Kenya Aquatics will hold the National Open Water Swimming Championships on December 3, 2025, in Mombasa, followed by the Kenya Aquatics Short Course National Swimming Championships at Bandari Maritime Academy.

Both events aim to strengthen Kenya’s talent pipeline and prepare athletes for future global competitions.

‎‎“Our focus is on giving swimmers more exposure and competition experience,” Kahindo emphasized. “The Africa Cup will inspire the next generation and push our athletes to aim higher.”

‎‎As the continent’s eyes turn to Soro Island, the debut of the Africa Cup of Open Water Swimming promises to set new benchmarks for aquatic excellence and Kenya is ready to dive right in.