Malkia strikers/HANDOUTPresident William Ruto has congratulated Kenya’s Malkia Strikers after the national women’s volleyball team stormed into the final of the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship.
Ruto hailed the team’s performance after the defending African champions defeated arch-rivals Cameroon 3-0 in a commanding semi-final clash at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Thursday.
The President said the victory was a proud moment for the country, praising the players for maintaining the competitive spirit that has come to define the Malkia Strikers.
“We are proud of the outstanding performance of our Malkia Strikers at the 2026 Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship,” Ruto said.
He particularly highlighted the team’s straight-sets victory over Cameroon, describing the result as a significant achievement that secured Kenya a place in the continental final.
“The commanding 3-0 victory over Cameroon, which secured a place in the final, was a proud moment for our country,” he said.
The Malkia Strikers produced a strong display to overcome their long-time rivals and book their place in the final as they seek to retain the African title.
Kenya dominated the contest across the three sets, eventually completing the sweep with a 25-20 victory in the final set.
The result extended the team’s impressive run in the competition and placed them one match away from successfully defending their continental crown.
Ruto said the team’s performance was a reflection of the winning mentality associated with the national side, which has established itself as one of Africa’s leading women’s volleyball teams.
“As the defending African champions, you have once again shown the winning spirit that has come to define Malkia Strikers,” the President said.
He urged the players to remain focused as they prepare for the decisive final, assuring them that they have the backing of Kenyans.
“As you take this final step, know that the nation stands firmly behind you,” Ruto said.
He wished the team well in the final and called on the players to complete their campaign on a high by bringing the continental title home.
“All the best in the finals. Make Kenya proud,” he said.
The win keeps Kenya’s title defence on course as the Malkia Strikers chase a record-extending 11th continental crown.
Kenya are also seeking to build on their 2023 triumph, when they defeated Egypt 3-0 in the final in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
The team’s progression to the final has also generated excitement among Kenyan fans, who have followed their campaign at the continental championship.
With the defending champions now one victory away from another African title, attention shifts to the final, where the Malkia Strikers will seek to cap their campaign with another championship triumph.
