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By Borniface Anyanzwa alias The Duke of the waters

There is growing anxiety rippling through Kenya’s swimming circles as coaches hold their breath, waiting for Kenya Aquatics to announce the Head Coach and Assistant Coach for Team Kenya ahead of the highly anticipated Africa Aquatics Junior Swimming Championship, set to dive into action in Cairo, Egypt, next month.

This continental showdown, set against the historic backdrop of Egypt’s ancient wonders and modern marvels, will see Africa’s most promising young swimmers battle for glory in the pool. For Kenya, the stakes are not just about medals—they’re about legacy, opportunity, and national pride.

One major point of contention is the strict selection criteria for the head coach role. According to sources close to Kenya Aquatics, the federation will only consider head coach currently training a swimmer with at least 500 FINA points—a benchmark that instantly disqualifies the majority of coaches. Most of the swimmers hitting those elite times are training abroad mostly under foreign coaches.

This has left many local coaches feeling challenged. The pressure is now on homegrown coaches to “crack the code”—crafting training regimens and competitive strategies capable of producing world-class athletes right from local pools.

The coaches appointments are expected to reflect regional and gender balance, with Kenya Aquatics under pressure to ensure inclusivity in their selection. An insider revealed that hundreds of applications poured in from across the country, indicating keen interest and stiff competition. Yet, the same source disclosed a concerning trend—very few female coaches applied revealing the male-dominated nature of competitive swimming coaching in Kenya.

“There’s a glaring gap,” the source lamented. “We need to encourage more female swimmers to transition into coaching roles. The federation should build pathways for retired female athletes to rise through the coaching ranks.”

As the championship draws near, the Kenyan delegation—athletes, coaches, and officials—will not only be diving into competition but also into one of the world’s richest cultural tapestries. Cairo, the host city, is home to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, and the majestic River Nile.

Visitors can explore the Khan El-Khalili bazaar, taste authentic Egyptian cuisine, or take a magical Nile cruise at sunset. It’s an atmosphere that promises to inspire young swimmers and remind them that they’re part of something far bigger than themselves.

As Kenya Aquatics finalizes its decision, coaches across the nation wait in silent suspense. Will the federation play it safe and go with experience? Or will they take bold steps to empower emerging local talent? Any female coach making it? Or will the old guard continue to dominate?

The answers will be known in the coming days. But one thing is clear—the road to Cairo is not just a journey across borders, but a test of vision, equity, and ambition for Kenya’s swimming future.

Watch this space. The waters are still… but only for now.