Kenya unveil King's baton as journey to 2026 Commonwealth Games kicks to action
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 16.07.25. | 19:21
The ceremony brought together 27 athletes and para-athletes across different sports
Kenya officially marked its journey to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games with the ceremonial unveiling of the King’s Baton on Wednesday, 16 July.
The ceremony, held in partnership with the British Council, brought together 27 athletes - including elite performers and para-athletes, who participated in the baton relay as a symbol of unity and a call to action ahead of the multi-sport event next year.
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The King's baton is an official symbol, carrying a message from His Majesty the King to all 74 nations and territories of the Commonwealth.
It was unveiled by Dr. Ed Barnett, MBE, Deputy British High Commissioner and Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat, in the presence of Dr. Paul Tergat, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of Kenya (CGA-K), and Francis Mutuku, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K).
"Today’s unveiling sets in motion our journey to Glasgow 2026," Tergat said after the dignitaries led a symbolic relay jog from the British High Commission to Nairobi Club.
"The King’s Baton Relay reminds us of the power of sport to bridge divides, celebrate our shared identity, and spark hope across nations. I commend the CGF for this symbolic tradition, and especially for allowing each country to design a Baton that reflects its unique culture and creativity.”
At the Tennis Centre Court Grounds, Dr. Barnett officially handed over the Baton to Dr. Tergat, who then passed it to the athletes—capturing a powerful moment in the journey toward the 2026 Games.
Among the athletes present were: Rugby 7s stars and Olympians, Co-Captain George Ooro, Patrick Odongo and Kevin Wekesa, athletics sprinters Boniface Mweresa, Wiseman Were, and Mike Mokamba, and Paralympic para-rower Asiya Sururu.
“The King’s Baton is not just a symbol of unity—it is a call to action. From sportsmanship to sustainability, it reflects the ideals of the Commonwealth," Dr. Ed Barnett said.
"I am proud to celebrate this journey with Kenya, a country whose sporting legacy continues to inspire the world.”
This edition’s Baton, designed by Kenya's Sydney Kimiywi, features carved artwork titled “Kenya” and “Celebrate”, honouring the nation’s sporting excellence and natural heritage.
The design also speaks to self-sufficiency and sustainability, a core theme of the 2026 Relay.
The Relay is set to continue on Friday, 18 July, at Olympic Primary School in Kibera, where hundreds of pupils will engage in activities showcasing the Commonwealth values of community, culture, and youth empowerment.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled for 23 July to 2 August 2026, will feature a 10- sport programme hosted across four venues within an eight-mile corridor.
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