Kenya’s young swimmers are using the ANOCA Zone V Youth Games as a stepping stone towards the Dakar Youth Olympic Games, with several competitors relishing the opportunity to gain international experience.
The swimming team has so far delivered a strong performance, collecting six gold and six silver medals for a total of 12 medals. Uganda has won two gold, two silver and two bronze, while Rwanda has three bronze medals.
Sixteen-year-old Macrine Kalombo, who competed in the women’s 100m freestyle and 50m breaststroke, described the Games as a valuable experience as she looks ahead to the Youth Olympics.
“It was a good experience. I’m lucky to be competing for my country and I can’t wait for the Youth Olympics,” said Kalombo.
Team captain Yanick Muigai, who competed in the 200m butterfly and freestyle, admitted his individual performance did not go according to plan but said the experience would be important for his development.
“It did not go as expected, but it is an experience for me to make the most of these opportunities. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and international competitions,” said Muigai.
Muigai also praised the team’s performance, particularly in the relays, saying the swimmers were determined to produce the best possible results for Kenya.
Isabelle Mwangi, who competed in the women’s 100m freestyle and also featured in the relay, said the competition had helped strengthen team spirit.
“I had fun. It is important and I’m looking forward to the 50m freestyle tomorrow. I participated in the relay today and it was fun. It raised the team spirit,” said Mwangi, who is targeting gold in her next race.
ANOCA Local Organising Committee Chairperson Angela Luchivya said the government had provided strong support to the Games through the deployment of officers to work with the Local Organising Committee and offer policy guidance.
However, the short notice given to prepare for the Games led to delays in funding and procurement challenges.
Luchivya said the experience should help organisers improve coordination and ensure resources are processed earlier in future editions.
She described the Games as an important high-performance platform for young athletes, enabling National Olympic Committees to assess athletes’ readiness, qualification and selection prospects while preparing them for Dakar.
She also called for greater investment in sporting infrastructure and more regular ANOCA competitions, saying consistent events would strengthen both regional and Kenyan sporting programmes.
The official further described sport as a major but largely untapped industry, stressing that its development must be anchored on stronger infrastructure and sustained investment