Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has rewarded the Malkia Strikers with KSh1 million after Kenya secured a place in the final of the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship. Mvurya announced the reward on Thursday night, September 3, following the team’s convincing 3-0 victory over Cameroon at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. The CS praised the players for their performance and credited the home crowd for providing strong support during the semi-final.
“What a night at Kasarani! The arena was packed to the rafters, and the incredible Kenyan crowd became the 7th player, roaring our queens to victory,” Mvurya said. He added that the KSh1 million reward had been issued following the semi-final win and promised an additional reward from President William Ruto if the team wins Friday’s final.
“I rewarded them with Ksh1 million following their semi-final victory and promised a Presidential reward should they triumph in Friday’s final,” Mvurya announced.
The reward comes as the Malkia Strikers prepare for a decisive final against Egypt on Friday, September 4, at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. Kenya booked its place in the title decider after sweeping Cameroon in three sets, winning 25-19, 25-20 and 25-20. Egypt also reached the final after defeating Rwanda 3-0 in its semi-final. The Malkia Strikers are defending the continental title they won in 2023 and are seeking their 11th African championship crown. Mvurya had challenged the team before the tournament to retain the title, noting that the competition also serves as an important qualification pathway for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and the 2027 World Championship. During the team’s flag-off ceremony on August 24, the CS said he would engage President Ruto over rewarding the players for their efforts. He also urged the team to return the national flag with honour by successfully defending the continental crown. The Ministry had also settled the team’s allowances before the tournament, according to a Citizen TV report following the flag handover ceremony.
Mvurya’s latest announcement places an additional incentive before the team as it prepares for the final. The CS did not disclose the value of the promised presidential reward, saying only that President Ruto would make the additional award if Kenya emerges victorious. Ruto has already congratulated the Malkia Strikers for reaching the final, describing the 3-0 victory over Cameroon as a proud moment for the country and urging the players to make Kenya proud in the final. The final will therefore determine whether Kenya retains the African crown and whether the players receive the additional reward promised by the government. For the Malkia Strikers, the immediate task is to overcome Egypt and complete an unbeaten championship campaign with another continental title on home soil.