Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenyan swimming scene is making waves like never before, as the upcoming Kenya National Long Course Swimming Championships (February 15-16, 2025) at MISC Aquatic Center, Kasarani gears up to be the biggest and most competitive edition yet. With an unprecedented 1,500+ entries, international recognition, and fierce competition from some of the country’s most prestigious teams, this event is setting a new benchmark for aquatics in Kenya.

 

This milestone comes hot on the heels of World Aquatics’ official approval of the event as a qualifying meet for the World Aquatics Championships Singapore 2025. With Olympic hopefuls and rising stars from across Kenya and beyond converging in Nairobi, Kasarani is set to host a spectacle that could redefine the nation’s swimming legacy.

 

The championship will feature some of the most dominant swimming clubs in Kenya, including Hydra, Bandari, Braeburn, Kianda, Makini, Dashing Dolphins, Swimfit, Swift Kids, Kisumu School, Mombasa Aquatics, Otters, Crawford, Seahorses, Supermarlins, Dar Swimming Club, Genesis Sports, Mombasa Aquatics, Torpedo, Tanzania Swimmers Squad, and The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa, among many others, all battling for supremacy, national records, and qualification times that could send their swimmers to the world stage.

 

For the first time in Kenya’s swimming history, the championships have recorded over 1,500 entries, a massive leap that underscores the sport’s growth in the country. This surge has been attributed to increased participation from newly registered swimming counties and a concerted effort by Kenya Aquatics to support the expansion of the sport beyond traditional urban centers.

 

“Swimming in Kenya is evolving rapidly. We have seen new counties joining the federation, and we are ensuring no one is left behind. The number of entries this year is a clear indicator that swimming is no longer a niche sport—it is becoming a national movement,” said Collins Marigiri, Secretary General of Kenya Aquatics.

 

With World Aquatics’ sanctioning, times recorded at Kasarani will be recognized internationally, meaning swimmers will have a legitimate shot at qualifying for World Championships. Kenya Aquatics has committed to ensuring that all results are submitted within 48 hours, with certified pool measurements and full reports.

 

“This is a game-changer. Kenyan swimmers now have an opportunity to qualify for the world stage right here at home. We are also working on developing our coaches through structured courses to ensure our talent reaches its full potential,” Marigiri added.

 

Beyond swimming, Kenya’s water polo scene is gaining momentum. Kenya Aquatics has announced the first-ever water polo tournament in May, which will feature international and local teams. This is part of a broader initiative to diversify aquatics sports in the country.

 

“Water polo is an exciting sport, and we are thrilled to see its growth in Kenya. This inaugural tournament will be a significant step towards making it a mainstream discipline,” said Marigiri.

 

As the countdown to February 15-16 continues, swimming fans, scouts, and international federations will have their eyes on Kasarani to see who rises to the occasion. Records will fall, stars will be born, and Kenyan swimming will take another step towards becoming a global force.

 

With a mix of top-tier talent, international recognition, and the biggest entry list in history, the Kenya National Long Course Swimming Championships is not just a competition—it’s a revolution in the making.