Bandari Reigns Supreme at Kenya National Junior Swimming Championships in Kisumu: — The vibrant lakeside city played host to the Kenya National Junior Swimming Championships, held on May 3rd and 4th, 2025, at the Aga Khan Primary School. Organized by Kenya Aquatics, the two-day aquatic gala brought together 39 spirited teams and over 400 young swimmers, who competed across an impressive 2,620 event entries—marking one of the most competitive editions yet.
In a weekend brimming with youthful talent and fierce competition, Kamanga Thandiwe, 11, from Seahorses Aquatic Center, emerged as a standout in the girls’ category. The rising star dominated her races across both days, later sharing that dedicated training helped her achieve several personal bests. “I’ve worked very hard for this, and I’m hoping to keep improving in future galas,” said Thandiwe with determination.
Meanwhile, the boys’ events saw an electric performance from Quilala Ethan, aged just 8, representing Little Fish Swim Club. Ethan clinched victory in multiple heats and emphasized the role of teamwork in his success. “Coach Noni taught me the best stroke techniques,” he said, crediting his coach’s guidance for his stellar performance.
Coach Valentine Wambui of Supermarlins, a Kiambu County-based swim club, lauded Kenya Aquatics for offering a national stage for young swimmers to showcase their potential. “This championship not only nurtures talent but also promotes sports tourism by drawing participants from across the country,” she noted.
Kahindo Mureithi, an Executive Committee member of Kenya Aquatics and a member of the Africa Aquatics Open Water Committee, praised the diverse county representation, highlighting the event’s promise for future national and regional aquatic success. “We are committed to holding regular galas that aid in talent identification. I call on counties and stakeholders to keep supporting aquatic sports and grassroots development,” Mureithi urged.
In the girls’ category, Seahorses Aquatic Center from Machakos triumphed with a commanding total of 48 medals — 21 gold, 15 silver, and 12 bronze. Mombasa’s Bandari Swim Club followed closely with 19 gold, 17 silver, and 15 bronze, totaling 51 medals. Genesis Sports Limited secured third place with 44 medals comprising 16 gold, 13 bronze, and 15 silver.
In the boys’ category, Bandari Swim Club dominated with a remarkable 56 medals — 30 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze. Little Fish Swim Club, based in Nairobi, came in second with 28 medals (13 gold, 9 silver, 6 bronze), while Seahorses Aquatic Center took third with 13 medals (8 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze).
The combined team category saw Bandari Swim Club crowned overall champions, amassing an astonishing 115 medals (56 gold, 31 silver, 28 bronze) and taking home the prestigious Arena-sponsored rotational shield. Seahorses Aquatic Center claimed second place with 65 medals (29 gold, 21 silver, 15 bronze), while Little Fish Swim Club rounded out the top three with 36 medals (13 gold, 11 silver, 12 bronze).
Kenya Aquatics has already set the stage for the next national event — the Kenya National Age Group Swimming Championship — scheduled for May 31st to June 1st, 2025, at the Kasarani Aquatic Arena. Expectations are high as teams from beyond Kenya’s borders are anticipated to join the competition, elevating its international profile.
Having debuted last year in Uasin Gishu, the Kenya National Junior Swimming Championship has quickly established itself as a key event on the country’s sporting calendar. With counties such as Laikipia, Machakos, and Kajiado already bidding to host the 2026 edition in April, the future of Kenyan youth swimming shines ever brighter on the continental stage.