Kenya set to host first African Nations Volleyball Championship in more than a decade
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 14.01.26. | 13:41
The last time the country hosted the event, Malkia Strikers went all the way to win their ninth continental title
Kenya will, for the first time in more than a decade, host the Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship later this year.
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This comes after the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) on Tuesday, 13 January, confirmed Nairobi to be the host of the continental showpiece, which is scheduled to take place between Sunday, 23 August and Saturday, 5 September 2026.
The landmark announcement marks the first time the event is returning to Kenya since 2015, the year the country’s national team - Malkia Strikers - overwhelmed Algeria 3-0 at Kasarani Indoor Arena to win their ninth continental title.
CAVB, who in their update also confirmed that the men’s version of the event would take place in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, from Monday, 7 to Monday, 21 September, noted that the Nairobi championships would act as the first step in the qualification system for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
“With just over two years to go until the Los Angeles Olympics, 2026 is shaping up to be a major turning point for African volleyball, which is expected to play a decisive role in securing Olympic tickets, and strengthening its visibility on the international stage,” a statement from CAVB read.
Normally involving 12 nations, CAVB additionally sent an invitation to all interested national federations to register for the continental tournament through their secretariat, with the deadline for application set for no later than Friday, 16 January.
The chance to play at home is primed to offer Malkia Strikers their best chance of defending the title they won in 2023 in Cameroon.
The 10-time African Champions, after an eight-year drought without the trophy, smashed Egypt in straight sets (25-22, 25-20, 25-14) to stand atop the continent and book their place at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Last year, the Mozzart Bet-sponsored side won their third-ever match at the FIVB World Championships, beating Vietnam 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-18).
In the club game, Kenya is also set to host the 2026 CAVB Zone V Club Championship in Nairobi from Sunday, 8 to Monday, 16 February, where the top four clubs from 12 member countries will battle for continental glory.
As for the other events of 2026, CAVB confirmed that the Women's African Club Championship will be held in Cairo, Egypt, from Tuesday, 7 to Monday, 20 April, while the Men's African Club Championship will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from Monday, 20 April to Sunday, 3 May.
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