Youth swimmers make waves at Kenya National Junior Championships
Vanessa Wambui from Genesis Sports Limited participating during the swimming gala. Photo/James Murimi
The vibrant lakeside city of Kisumu hosted the Kenya National Junior Swimming Championships on May 3–4, 2025, at Aga Khan Primary School.
Organised by Kenya Aquatics, the two-day event attracted 39 teams and over 400 young swimmers, who competed in 2,620 individual event entries--making it one of the most competitive editions to date.
Among the standout performers was 11-year-old Kamanga Thandiwe from Seahorses Aquatic Centre, who dominated the girls’ events.
Thandiwe credited her success to rigorous training and determination.
“I’ve worked very hard for this, and I’m hoping to keep improving in future galas,” Thandiwe said.
In the boys’ category, 8-year-old Quilala Ethan of Little Fish Swim Club delivered a stellar performance, winning multiple heats. He praised his coach, saying, “Coach Noni taught me the best stroke techniques.”
Supermarlins coach Valentine Wambui commended Kenya Aquatics for providing a national platform for young swimmers.
“This championship not only nurtures talent but also promotes sports tourism by attracting participants from across the country,” she noted.
Kenya Aquatics Executive Committee member Kahindo Mureithi, who also serves on the Africa Aquatics Open Water Committee, emphasized the importance of inclusive participation.
“We are committed to regular galas that help identify talent. I urge counties and stakeholders to continue supporting aquatic sports and grassroots development,” she said.
In the girls’ category, Seahorses Aquatic Centre (Machakos) led with 48 medals--21 gold, 15 silver, and 12 bronze.
Bandari Swim Club (Mombasa) followed closely with 51 medals (19 gold, 17 silver, 15 bronze), while Genesis Sports Limited placed third with 44 (16 gold, 15 silver, 13 bronze).
Bandari Swim Club dominated the boys’ events, collecting 56 medals: 30 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze. Nairobi-based Little Fish Swim Club came second with 28 medals (13 gold, 9 silver, 6 bronze), while Seahorses Aquatic Center earned 13 medals (8 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze).
In the overall standings, Bandari Swim Club emerged as the champions, amassing 115 medals (56 gold, 31 silver, 28 bronze) and claiming the coveted Arena-sponsored rotational shield.
Seahorses Aquatic Centre secured second place with 65 medals, followed by Little Fish Swim Club with 36.
Kenya Aquatics has announced the next national competition--the Kenya National Age Group Swimming Championship--set for May 31 to June 1, 2025, at the Kasarani Aquatic Arena.
The event is expected to attract regional teams, further raising the competition’s profile.
After debuting in Uasin Gishu last year, the Kenya National Junior Swimming Championship has quickly become a cornerstone of the country’s sports calendar.
With counties including Laikipia, Machakos, and Kajiado bidding to host the 2026 edition, the future of Kenyan youth swimming appears brighter than ever.
