Kenya U-20 men’s volleyball squad named for African Championship in Cairo

The tournament will serve as the continental qualifier to the 2026 FIVB U21 World Championship, placing added weight on Kenya’s ambitions to make history on the global stage.

The 22-man squad features a mix of seasoned league players and rising stars from Kenya’s vibrant schools’ system. Among the standouts are four players from Cheptil Secondary School — Bernard Kipchumba, Bethwel Kiplagat, Brian Kipruto, and Justus Kibet. Cheptil are fresh from winning the FEASSA School Games title after edging out perennial rivals Malava Secondary, who also produced national team talent in Felix Ogembo.

Other notable selections include Reagan Otieno and Kelvin Soita from Prisons Kenya, Lewis Masibo and Chrispus Wekesa from Kenya Air Force, and Asbel Kirwa from GSU.

The team will be under the guidance of Head Coach Luke Makuto, a former Malava Boys tactician who recently steered Kenya Airports Police Unit (KAPU) to top-flight promotion and a Kenya Cup playoff spot.

He will be assisted by Gideon Njine, with Wachira Gatuiiria serving as Team Manager. The technical bench also features Alfred Chedotum as Head of Delegation and Timothy Kimutai as physiotherapist.

The Junior Wafalme will be hoping to replicate the performance by the Junior Malkia Strikas, where they won the Africa Women's U-20 championship, beating hosts Cameroon three sets to one.

In the last edition held in Tunisia, only four nations participated, but this year’s competition is expected to attract a larger field, testing Kenya’s resolve as they aim for a breakthrough at the continental level.