President William Ruto has congratulated the Malkia Strikers after Kenya reached the final of the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship. Kenya defeated Cameroon 3-0 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Thursday, September 3, producing another dominant performance in front of a home crowd. The defending champions controlled the semi-final from the opening exchanges and sealed the third set 25-20 to book their place in the title decider. Ruto praised the team for its impressive run and urged the players to remain focused as they pursue another continental crown. His message came as the Malkia Strikers moved within one victory of retaining the title and extending Kenya’s long-standing dominance in African women’s volleyball. The victory extended Kenya’s unbeaten run in the tournament. The Malkia Strikers opened their title defence with a 3-0 victory over Zambia before defeating Mali in the group stage. They then overcame Nigeria in the quarter-finals before producing another assured display against Cameroon in the semi-finals.

Kenya’s consistent performances have strengthened expectations that the team can complete its campaign successfully on home soil. The squad has combined experience and attacking power with disciplined defence, maintaining control in crucial moments throughout the competition.

Kenya will face Egypt in the final on Friday, September 4, at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. The match will be a repeat of the 2023 African Nations Championship final, when Kenya defeated Egypt 3-0 in Cameroon to reclaim the continental title. The Malkia Strikers are now seeking a record-extending 11th African championship and a successful defence of the crown. Egypt will provide a familiar and challenging opponent, but Kenya will enter the final with confidence after remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament. Playing before a home crowd is also expected to give the team additional support as it seeks to finish the competition in style. The championship forms part of Kenya’s broader preparations for its bid to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Success in Nairobi would strengthen the team’s standing in Africa and provide valuable momentum ahead of the Olympic qualification campaign.

One victory away from retaining their title, the Malkia Strikers will look to respond to the President’s call, maintain their composure and complete their campaign with another historic win on home soil.