Nairobi: Kenya has started thorough preparations for the Water Rafting World Cup Series set to be held in the country in July 2026. The international tournament will take place in Kirinyaga and Murang'a counties along River Sagana from July 9 to July 12 and is expected to bring together over 1,500 participants from more than 40 countries.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Secretary General of the Kenya Rafting Federation, William Kinuthia, stated that Kenya won the bid to host part of the World Cup series and preparations are underway for what he described as one of the largest sporting events to be held in the country. This will be the second time the country will host an international rafting competition after hosting the Africa Rafting Championship in July last year.

Kinuthia emphasized that all preparations for the event are underway to ensure there will be no hitches for the seven days the competition will be running. "We expect to host teams from over 40 countries and this will be a major event, the biggest ever to be held in the country," Kinuthia said. He highlighted that the event will take place along River Sagana, which has been listed as having some of the best rafting courses globally.

Besides promoting sports tourism and the economy of the country, Kinuthia noted that the event will also facilitate the transfer of skills to local teams as renowned teams will be participating. "Our team will be competing with the pros in water rafting and this will be an opportunity for them to gain more skills," he remarked.

The World Cup Series will be running concurrently with the Africa Championship, in which 18 African countries have registered to participate. Kinuthia pointed out that although water sports are relatively new in the country, they are gaining popularity, and Kenya will be hosting an international competition every two years. "We have received massive support from the government, and because of its commitment, we will be hosting this major event," said Kinuthia.

The World Cup will be conducted in series, starting in April in France, followed by Italy, Kenya, and the final leg in Brazil later in the year. Sammy Kanyuira, the Team Manager for Team Kenya, mentioned that the Kenyan team is well prepared for the competition, having represented the African continent in water rafting championships last year.

Kanyuira encouraged more young people to participate in water rafting, noting the many opportunities for youth in sports. "We need more participants, and I am urging the youth to join us. We offer free training to those interested in the sport," Kanyuira said. He highlighted the huge potential in water sports as a way of earning a livelihood, especially for young people.