Kenya is preparing to host one of its most exciting swimming events of the year, as elite athletes from Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, and Zambia arrive in Nairobi to participate in the Kenya Aquatics National Long Course Championships. The event is set for May 31 to June 1, 2025, at the Kasarani Aquatic Stadium, and doubles as a qualifier for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.
Foreign Participation Elevates the Stakes
Kenya Aquatics Secretary General Collins Marigiri hailed the inclusion of international swimmers, saying their presence would raise the level of competition.
“With such strong teams from neighboring countries, we expect a thrilling and competitive meet. It’s great for regional rivalry and for our swimmers’ development,” he said.
The championship will serve as a platform for both seasoned and emerging swimmers to battle for spots on Kenya’s national team to Singapore, where the World Championships will run from July 11 to August 3, 2025.
Kenya’s Swimming Stars to Watch
A formidable Kenyan contingent is expected, including:
- Haniel Kudwoli, who previously represented Kenya at the World Championships
- Stephen Ndegwa
- Nathan Matimu
- Adam Mensch
- Shaka Gikunda
- Mohammed Ridhwan
- Imara Bella-Thorpe
- Sara Mose
- Maria Brunlehner
These athletes are set to compete not just for victory at Kasarani, but for a place on the global stage.
Strict Selection Process for World Event
Kenya Aquatics has emphasized a performance-based selection strategy, where times recorded at the Kasarani meet, along with FINA points and prior results, will be used to determine who qualifies for the World Championships.
“Only the best will go to Singapore. We’re leaving no room for guesswork,” Marigiri asserted.
The federation is also evaluating whether Kenya can enter a mixed relay team in the global event, based on current qualification times and world ranking points.
More Competitions on the Horizon
In the lead-up to the Long Course Championship, several top swimming clubs will participate in the Kiambu Aquatics Sprints and Relays on May 24–25 at Regis School, Runda. This event is also recognized as a qualifier for the national meet.
Among the clubs expected to compete:
- Crawford School
- Supermarlin Swim Club
- Woodcreek School
- MPesa Foundation Academy
- Sabis School
- Otters Swim Club
- Light International School
- Orca Swim Club
- Aqua Shark Swim Club
Kenya to Send Squad to World Masters Event
Adding to the excitement, 20 Kenyan swimmers are slated to take part in the World Masters Swimming Championships, which will run in parallel with the World Championships in Singapore.
With multiple global events on the calendar, Kenya is clearly positioning itself as a regional hub for competitive swimming and a growing force in international aquatic sports.