Kenya is assured of gold and silver in beach volleyball at the 2026 Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Zone Five Youth Games at Kenyatta University on Tuesday.
The country’s boys’ and girls’ teams booked their places in Thursday’s finals after impressive performances in the semi-finals on Wednesday, setting up all-Kenyan finals in both categories.
In the girls’ competition, Kenya 1 advanced directly to the final after finishing the round-robin phase unbeaten in an event that featured three teams.
Kenya 2 then secured the second final berth after defeating South Sudan 2-0 (21-18, 21-18) in the semi-final.
The Kenyan pair, St Cecilia Aluor Girls Secondary School duo Josephine Achieng and Esther Chesori, said they are determined to avenge their earlier defeat by compatriots Eddah Jepkemei and Anne Akiro.
Jepkemei and Akiro beat Achieng and Chesori 2-0 (21-16, 21-15) in their final preliminary-round match.
“They might be a bit more experienced than us, but we have the zeal and hunger to win the title and will fight hard to ensure we claim the top prize,” said Chesori.
Achieng believes the competition has provided valuable exposure and experience ahead of future tournaments.
“I have enjoyed every bit of this competition, and I think we are ready to compete at any level and against any opponent, because we are now well trained and exposed,” she said.
Kenya 1 maintained its unbeaten run by recovering from losing the opening set to defeat South Sudan 2-1 (16-21, 21-18, 15-12), completing a perfect preliminary-round campaign.
In the boys’ competition, Kenya 2 edged Uganda 2-1 (21-14, 14-22, 15-12), while Kenya 1 swept aside South Sudan 2-0 (21-14, 21-14) to set up another all-Kenyan final.
Kenya 1, comprising Emmanuel Kipkirui and Reegan Kipchirchir, are confident of claiming the title against their compatriots.
“We are playing at home, and I think it will be like a friendly match, but the gold is at stake, and we want to finish on a high,” said Kipchirchir.
Kenya 2 will be represented by Askanas Kipkorir and Collins Kipkosgei