Nairobi, Kenya- Kenya’s swimming fraternity is calling on President William Ruto to extend the same energy and support he has shown to the Harambee Stars at CHAN 2024 to other sports disciplines, particularly swimming.
Kenya Aquatics Second Vice President Hillary Leboy praised the President’s recent motivation of the national football team, noting it had inspired many young athletes. He urged the Head of State to channel similar recognition and belief toward swimmers.
“The synergy between football and swimming may not be obvious at first glance, but both share the same heartbeat — discipline, teamwork, and the ability to unite a nation in pride,” Leboy said. “We are not just asking for money but for recognition.”
According to Leboy, greater attention to swimming could give young athletes — especially those in counties without proper facilities — a renewed sense of purpose.
Spotlight on the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championships
The 10th Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Swimming Championships will take place in October at the Kasarani Aquatic Stadium, bringing together over 20 nations. Organisers see the event as a golden opportunity to position Kenya as both a sporting and tourism hub.
“This generation is different; they swim with conviction, purpose, and national pride,” Leboy added. “If the President can give footballers a reason to fight harder, he can do the same for our swimmers.”
Preparations are already in high gear. More than 200 swimming coaches from across Africa are currently in Nairobi for the ASCA Coaching Certification Clinic at Crawford International School.
The sessions are being led by U.S. coach Sarah Holman, who is also set to run a high-performance training camp at Potterhouse School in Runda.
International Expertise Meets Kenyan Talent
Holman lauded Kenya’s untapped potential in the sport and pledged to initiate swimming exchange programmes to help nurture it.
“The potential here is untapped,” she said. “With the right support, these swimmers could be world-class.”
Stakeholders believe that with the right level of government backing — similar to what football is currently receiving — Kenya could become a force in competitive swimming, both in Africa and beyond.
