Kenya is gearing up to host one of the biggest rafting events ever staged in Africa after the Kenya Rafting Federation confirmed that 32 countries will travel to the country for the African leg of the World Cup Series organized by the World Rafting Federation from July 5-12, 2026.
The competition, to be held in Sagana, is expected to attract top athletes, officials and rafting enthusiasts from across the globe, further cementing Kenya’s growing reputation as a destination for adventure sports.
Kenya Rafting Federation Secretary General William Kinuthia said extensive preparations have already been undertaken to ensure the event meets international standards.
“We imported 57 rafts through the federation, with assistance from the Ministry of Sports and this coming competition will be a great honor not only for the federation but for Kenya as a country. Participating countries will be 32 but competing countries will be 19 and that shows it will be a big event,” said Kinuthia.
A total of 50 rafters have been selected to represent the nation in the event, which is expected to provide a major boost to sports tourism and local businesses while showcasing Kenya’s capacity to host world-class sporting competitions.
The national team was selected following trials held at Rapids Camp Sagana in Kirinyaga County which is also the venue for the upcoming competition.
The team comprises 20 men, 20 women, and ten para-athletes.
13-year-old Alisa Sisi from Nairobi County is the youngest athlete selected to the national team. Other athletes named in the squad include Jamal Nassir from Isiolo County and Victor Ekuret from Turkana County.
Kinuthia urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to witness some of the world’s best rafting nations in action.
“Rafting is not only a sport but a business and its work, and we are asking all Kenyans to come to Sagana for the World Cup Series. As I said, 19 countries including the world champions will be in Kenya. If you have never seen Italy, Russia, Japan, India, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria and many more, they will all be here,” he added.
The presence of world champions and leading rafting nations is expected to raise the profile of the competition and provide Kenyan athletes with a rare opportunity to compete against some of the best teams in the world on home soil.
