Kenya has started thorough preparations for the Water Rafting World Cup Series set to be held in the country in July 2026.
The international tournament will take place in Kirinyaga and Murang’a counties along River Sagana from July 9 to July 12 and is expected to bring together over 1,500 participants from more than 40 countries.
Speaking at a hotel in Sagana, the Secretary General of the Kenya Rafting Federation, William Kinuthia, said Kenya won the bid to host part of the World Cup series and that preparations are underway for what he described as one of the largest sporting events to be held in the country.
This will be the second time the country will host an international rafting competition after hosting the Africa Rafting Championship in July last year.
Kinuthia said all the preparations for the event are underway to ensure there will be no hitches for the seven days the competition will be running.
“We expect to host teams from over 40 countries and this will be a major event, the biggest ever to be held in the country.” Kinuthia said.
“The event will take place along river Sagana which has been listed to have the best rafting courses globally,he added.
The secretary general said besides promoting sports tourism and the economy of the country, the event will also facilitate transfer of skills to the local teams as renowned teams will be taking part.
“Our team will be competing with the pros in water rafting and this will be an opportunity for them to gain more skills.” He remarked.
He said the World Cup Series will be running concurrently with the Africa Championship in which 18 African countries have registered to participate.
He noted that although water sports are relatively new in the country, it’s picking up well adding that Kenya will be hosting an international competition every two years.
“We have received massive support from the government and because of its commitment we will be hosting this major event.” remarked Kinuthia.
He explained that the rafting world cup will be done in series to be hosted by four different countries.
“We are starting in April in France, then Italy, Kenya and the final leg will be in Brazil later in the year.” Kinuthia added.
Sammy Kanyuira, the Team Manager for Team Kenya, said the Kenyan team is well prepared for the competition, having represented the African continent in water rafting championships last year.
He called upon more young people to take part in water rafting, noting that there are many opportunities for youth in sports.
“We need more participants and I am urging the youth to join us. We offer free training to those interested in the sport.” Kanyuira said.
Kanyuira highlighted the huge potential in water sports and noted it is a way of earning a livelihood especially for the young people.
by Purity Mugo
