Kenyan roller skater Kiarie Kevin Ruhiu has won two medals for Kenya at the International Challenge Cotonou Speed and Inline Freestyle Skating Championship held in Cotonou, Benin, in early April 2026, marking a recent achievement for the country in continental roller sports competition.

According to recent event updates and competition listings, the International Challenge Cotonou Skating – Speed and Inline Freestyle took place from April 1 to April 5, 2026, in Cotonou, Benin, bringing together skaters from different countries to compete in speed and freestyle disciplines under international roller sports structures.
Reports circulating on social media platforms and sports pages indicated that Ruhiu secured two medals, including gold and silver, during the championship, representing Kenya in inline freestyle categories.
“Kenyan skater Kiarie Kevin Ruhiu won two medals for Kenya at the International Challenge Cotonou Speed and Inline Freestyle Skating Championship in Benin.”
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                                        Kevin Kiarie // Instagram

Competition structure and events

The International Challenge Cotonou Skating Championship features multiple roller sports disciplines designed to test both speed and technical skating ability.ALSO READ: Skating stars Rolle Rouge Alono Span in Kenya for the East Africa's first roller rink grand opening
Events in the championship include:
  • Speed race road events such as 100m sprint and elimination races
  • Marathon and half-marathon skating competitions
  • Inline freestyle disciplines, including slalom classic, slalom battle, speed slalom, and free jump
  • Junior and senior category competitions for male and female athletes
The event is organised by the Beninese Roller Sports Federation with international sanctioning, and athletes compete for medals, trophies, and prizes while gaining exposure in continental roller sports competition.
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Kenya’s participation in roller sports

Ruhiu’s performance adds to Kenya’s growing participation in roller skating competitions outside the country, with athletes increasingly taking part in continental events to gain competitive experience.
Roller sports in Africa continue to develop through regional championships and international competitions supported by global governing bodies such as World Skate, which oversees skating disciplines including speed skating and inline freestyle across continents.
                                            Kevin Kiarie // Instagram

Rising visibility of Kenyan roller skating on the continental stage

Recent participation by Kenyan skaters in events like the Cotonou Challenge reflects ongoing efforts by athletes and skating groups to represent the country in international competitions and build recognition in roller sports across Africa.

Ruhiu’s two-medal performance in Benin places him among Kenyan athletes competing in international skating events, with the Cotonou championship serving as one of the platforms for continental competition and athlete development.