Kenya names 16 swimmers Africa Aquatics Zone 4 Open Water Swimming bonanza

Kenya will send a team of 16 swimmers to compete at the Africa Aquatics Zone 4 Open Water Swimming Championship set for Mauritius in June.

The championship, which begins on June 6, is expected to attract top swimmers from southern Africa and other parts of the continent. Athletes will compete in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, promising a highly competitive event.

Samair Bachelani, Iqbal Bayusuf, Sawleh Taib, and Ariel Joseph are among the swimmers selected to represent Kenya. Speaking to the media, National Open Water Swimming Co-ordinator, Heize Kahindo, said the team will participate in several demanding races, including 3km events for emerging swimmers, 5km endurance races, and the 4×1km relay, which is expected to be one of the highlights of the competition.

“The swimmers will take part in several tough races. They include 3-km events for upcoming swimmers, 5-km endurance races, and the fast 4 × 1 km relay, which is often a fan favourite,” he said.

He added that the championship offers a valuable opportunity for both junior and experienced swimmers to compete at the same level while gaining international exposure. “The championship offers a rare chance for young and experienced swimmers to compete together on the same stage,” he noted.

Kahindo also pointed to the steady growth of open water swimming across Africa, saying Kenya is increasingly investing in the discipline through county-level support and structured competitions.

The team’s participation also forms part of long-term preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics, where Kenya hopes to make its debut in open water swimming. “Kahindo added that the championship will play a role in preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics, where Kenya hopes to enter open water swimming for the first time in its history,” the statement noted. He further said the national federation will soon release selection criteria for swimmers and coaches before seeking government funding.

Meanwhile, a group of Kenyan swimming stakeholders—athletes, coaches, and parents—has travelled to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for a 10-day high-performance training camp at Monti International School. The camp, which runs until May 14, is being led by American coach Austin Pillado, who has worked with elite international swimmers

. “This is a great step forward, and it’s encouraging to see stakeholders across the region embrace it. Swimming has evolved significantly, with a strong emphasis on science and technique. The only way to improve is by learning from the best,” said Omar Ali Omari. He added: “Pillado has worked with Olympic champions and world record holders, and we expect his experience to make a real impact, especially for our young swimmers.”