PIPSSA Kenya gala attracts record turnout ahead of Moi Swimming Championship

The two–day gala, set for September 27 and 28 at the Moi Educational Centre in Nairobi, has already attracted a record entry, with more than 40 schools and clubs from across the country confirming participation.

The surge in numbers underlines the growing stature of the event, which has long been regarded as a stepping stone for budding swimmers.

According to Rachel Gathoni, the Organizing Secretary of PIPSSA Kenya, the championships have become breeding grounds for talent and champions.

“PIPSSA Kenya has built a reputation as a gateway for swimmers who go on to represent the country at national and international levels,” Gathoni explained.

“Our role is to expose athletes early, nurture their skills, and follow through until they blossom. Big names in swimming such as Chris Mugo, Leon Mwiti, Marion Alala, Lucia Ruchti, Macrine Kalombo, Neo Olengo Tevin Waweru among others started from these very waters.”

The championship, now a fixture in Kenya’s swimming calendar, is expected to draw both upcoming talents and seasoned competitors.

For the young swimmers, the event offers a first taste of competitive pressure; for the experienced, it serves as a vital gauge of form ahead of other major championships looming later in the year.

Schools and clubs registered for the gala reflect the event’s wide appeal.

Among them are Moi Educational Centre, Foresight, Chantilly, Mountain View, Potterhouse, Kilimani Junior, Moi Kabarak, Mustard Seed, Moi Forces Lanet, Testimony Eldoret, Lukenya, Viraj International, Ongata Rongai, Aga Khan, Vidhuramji Murang’a, Mt. Kenya Academy, Mt. Longonot Naivasha, Nova Pioneer among others.

Their presence guarantees fierce competition across the lanes and a lively atmosphere on the pool deck.

With registration closing on Thursday, September 25, 2025, PIPSSA Kenya Coordinator Mark Gaya has urged more schools and clubs to take advantage of the remaining window.

“We encourage teams to register early. Once entries close, the competition secretary will release the psych sheet for verification. This helps ensure a smooth championship,” Gaya noted.

He also reminded participants that attention will quickly shift to the PIPSSA Kenya Athletics Championships in Kasarani Moi International Stadium scheduled for Saturday 4 October, 2025.

That championship will be a showcase of the athletics sporting culture PIPSSA Kenya has fostered.

PIPSSA’s influence is not confined to swimming. The association has been selected by Athletics Kenya, in collaboration with World Athletics, to host the prestigious World Athletics Kids Week.

The program will see 40 promising young athletes undergo a week of intensive training at Kasarani under the guidance of seasoned tacticians.

The initiative is aimed at identifying and sharpening raw talent, reinforcing PIPSSA's Kenya position as a key player in youth sports development.

As the countdown to the Moi gala continues, coaches are fine–tuning lineups, swimmers are sharpening their strokes, and parents are preparing to cheer from the stands.

With record entries and a reputation for producing champions, the 2025 PIPSSA Invitational promises to deliver not just medals, but memorable performances that could inspire Kenya’s next wave of swimming stars.