Eleven new players have been called up to the national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers; ahead of the 2026 Africa Nations Championship set to be staged in Kenya this August.
While unveiling a provisional squad of 24 players, head coach Geoffrey Omondi handed debut call-ups to the new entrants, who will blend with experienced regulars as the team prepares for the continental showpiece returning to Kenya after 11 years.
Omondi will head the technical bench as head coach, assisted by David Muthui and Patrick Sang. Former player Blackxides Agala has been named team statistician, with Bella Conceptor serving as therapist. Neddy Kilimo takes up the role of team manager, while Paul Bitok will be the Head of Delegation.
The championship is scheduled to run from August 23 to September 5 and will offer a platform for fresh talent to shine. Among the newcomers are Kenya Prisons trio of Sheila Khasandi, Ann Lowem, and Pauline Itoo.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) will be represented by Jemimah Siang’u, Sarah Namisi, and Caroline Sirengo, while former champions KCB Volleyball Club have contributed Deborah Chesang’, Marlene Terry, and Josephine Kataa.
Kenya Pipeline Company Volleyball Club will be represented by Sharon Sandui and Marian Sokoiyo.
Beyond continental glory, the tournament will serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship in Poland and also form part of the qualification pathway for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Officials from the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) were present during the squad announcement, including Deputy President Paul Bitok, Vice President Kenneth Tanui, National Sports Organising Secretary John Oronje, and his deputy Alfred Chedotum.
Provincial Squad
Setters
1. Emmaculate Nekesa (KPC)
2. Fridah Boke (KCB)
3. Esther Mutinda (KCB)
4. Sheila Kasandi (KPR)
Opposite Hitters
5. Mercy Iminza (DCI)
6. Marlene Terry (KCB)
7. Deborah Chesang (KCB)
Middle Blockers
8. Gladys Ekiru (KPC)
9. Belinda Barasa (KCB)
10. Lorine Chebet (KPR)
11. Marian Sokoiyo (KPC)
12. Pauline Chemutai (KCB)
13. Mildred Cherop (KCB)
14. Caroline Sirengo (DCI)
15. Ann Lowem (KPR)
Outside Hitters
16. Veronica Adhiambo (Greece)
17. Meldina Sande (Police Rwanda)
18. Juliana Namutira (KCB)
19. Sarah Namisi (DCI)
20. Jemimah Siang’u (DCI)
21. Pauline Itoo (KPR)
Liberos
22. Celestine Nyongesa (KPC)
23. Sharon Sandui (KPC)
24. Josephine Kataa (KCB)
Team Officials
1. Head Coach: Geoffrey Omondi
2. Assistant Coach: David Muthui
3. Assistant Coach: Patrick Sang
4. Statistician: Blackxides Agala
5. Physiotherapist: Bella Conceptor
6. Team Manager: Neddy Kilimo
7. Head of Delegation: Paul Bitok