Kenya Aquatics unveils new tiers for coaches and officials in bold overhaul

Kenya’s swimming fraternity is entering a new era after Kenya Aquatics Technical Director, Omar Omari, announced sweeping reforms designed to professionalize the sport, raise standards, and safeguard integrity as the country eyes success on bigger stages.

The reforms will introduce structured tiers for both coaches and officials.

For coaches, a four-tier system has been unveiled, starting with foundation coaches, moving up to assistant coaches in intermediate clubs, then to development coaches guiding counties and serving as assistants to the national team, and finally the elite performance coach, entrusted with leading national squads at continental and international championships.

Omari emphasized that advancement will be merit-based, relying on results, experience, education, discipline, and performance.

At the same time, he sounded a stern warning against unethical practices:

“Age cheating is a severe crime that kills talent and discourages honest swimmers. If you are found guilty of abetting such vices, including harassment or corporal punishment, you will be banned from the sport,” Omari declared.

Officials will also fall under a new three-tier structure—grassroots, county, and national levels—with their progression or demotion determined strictly by performance.

Omari revealed that a first list of top-tier officials is already being compiled and will soon undergo online training ahead of the 10th Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Swimming Championship, a major continental event where Kenya will showcase its talent.

By restructuring both coaching and officiating, Kenya Aquatics is sending a powerful message: professionalism, education, and discipline will define the future of the sport.

The overhaul not only protects athletes and ensures fair play but also creates a clear pathway for coaches and officials to grow—positioning Kenya as a rising force in African aquatics.