By Nesmas W. Mbati, Public Relations Officer
Contact: 0725444942

Kiambu County, Kenya, took center stage in regional swimming development as it hosted a spectacular two-day invitational gala at Regis Runda Academy, concluding on Sunday, January 26. The event showcased a remarkable turnout of over 350 athletes, with 2,172 entries from 27 schools and swim clubs, underlining the region’s growing stature in the sport.

The competition attracted participants from across Kenya’s counties, providing a vital platform for young swimmers to prepare for national and international events. Speaking about the event’s success, many team representatives applauded the Kiambu County Aquatics Association for its professionalism and commitment to nurturing talent.

Spotlight on Inclusivity and Emerging Stars

In an inspiring move, the Kiambu County Aquatics Association demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity by fully sponsoring five swimmers from Mugumoini Primary School, a public institution in Thika. Treasurer Hon. Francis Mwangi emphasized the association’s goal of broadening access to competitive swimming opportunities for underprivileged athletes.

Among the standout performances, 14-year-old Bahemuka Jasmin from Crawford International School stole the show with her gold-medal performance in the 800m freestyle, clocking an impressive 15:49.57. Reflecting on her victory, Jasmin noted the challenges of competing in her category but attributed her success to dedication and focused training. “Swimming demands hard work, but with focus and passion, it’s achievable,” she shared.

In the younger categories, nine-year-old Nadia Nuru from Aqua Shark Fin Club clinched gold in the 50m butterfly, while eight-year-old Rumu Blaise from Orca Swim Club delighted spectators by winning his category in the same event with a time of 43.35. Both swimmers expressed excitement about competing against strong opponents, with Blaise pledging to refine his technique in future competitions.

Medal Tally Highlights Fierce Competition

The gala featured fierce competition across boys’ and girls’ categories, with NextGen Multisport Academy emerging as the top boys’ team, earning 29 medals (18 Gold, 7 Silver, 4 Bronze). They were followed by Supermarlins Swim Club with 40 medals (17 Gold, 14 Silver, 9 Bronze) and Orca Swim Club with 38 medals (15 Gold, 15 Silver, 8 Bronze).

In the girls’ category, Supermarlins Swim Club dominated, securing 42 medals (13 Gold, 15 Silver, 14 Bronze), followed by NextGen Multisport Academy with 17 medals (9 Gold, 7 Silver, 1 Bronze). Aqua Shark Fin Club claimed third place with 23 medals (9 Gold, 6 Silver, 8 Bronze).

In the overall standings, Supermarlins Swim Club, based in Kiambu County, claimed the top position with a combined tally of 84 medals (31 Gold, 29 Silver, 24 Bronze). Nairobi’s NextGen Multisport Academy secured second place with 48 medals (28 Gold, 14 Silver, 6 Bronze), while Crawford International School came in third with 67 medals (19 Gold, 24 Silver, 24 Bronze).

Mentorship and Future Growth

Dr. Edwin Kiptolo Boit, founder and director of NextGen Multisport Academy, lauded the gala for its exceptional organization and its role in inspiring the next generation of swimmers. “These championships are instrumental in raising the standards of swimming in the region and providing young athletes with an invaluable opportunity to grow and compete,” he remarked.

Looking Ahead: International Ambitions

Kiambu County Aquatics Public Relations Officer, Ex-Corporal Nesmas W. Mbati, shared the association’s plans for the future in an interview with Kenya Swimming TV. He highlighted efforts to secure funding from the county government to support athletes in need, ensuring their participation in international competitions such as the Chipukizi Championship in Arusha, Tanzania, in December 2025, and the Kigali International Mini Games in Rwanda in April 2025.

Next Event on the Horizon

Building on the success of this gala, the Kiambu County Aquatics Association has announced the Kiambu Level 2 Swimming Championship, scheduled for March 1–2, 2025, at Regis Runda Academy.

As the dust settles on this year’s invitational gala, it is evident that Kiambu County is cementing its place as a beacon for swimming excellence in East Africa, creating ripples of change for young athletes with aspirations of international success.