In the heart of Kiambu County, where the cheers echoed louder than the splash of water, a new generation of Kenyan swimmers carved their names into the waves of destiny. The Kiambu Aquatics Sprints and Relays Swimming Championship, held on the 22nd and 23rd of March 2025 at Regis Runda Academy was more than just a sporting event — it was a celebration of resilience, passion, and a nation’s growing love for swimming.

A record thirty-one teams from across the counties of Kilifi, Meru, Nakuru, Kajiado, Nyeri, Nairobi, Mombasa, Laikipia and Kiambu converged with one mission: to race not just for medals, but for pride, for purpose, and for a brighter aquatic future. With 444 athletes diving into 2,221 entries, the pool transformed into a battlefield of strokes and seconds, where young dreams met fierce determination.

Each dive, each turn, and each finish told a story — like that of Wanjiru Samara from Genesis Sports, who clinched gold in the girls’ 100m Individual Medley for 7 years and under, clocking an impressive 2:04.56. Her composure in the pool belied her age, reminding all in attendance that greatness often starts early.

And then there was Kahindo Jedidiah of Mombasa Aquatics (MAC) Swimming Club, who swam to victory in the boys’ 10-11 years 100m Individual Medley with a time of 1:32.25. Already a veteran of seven national events, Kahindo’s journey is one of quiet grit. He spoke with maturity beyond his years, expressing his joy at the level of competition and vowing to work even harder. His eyes are already set on the upcoming Junior Nationals, where he hopes to post qualifying times and secure a spot on the Kenyan national team — his gateway to the international stage. His past performance in October 2024 at the Kenya Nationals Short Course in Mombasa, where he completed the 400m freestyle in 5:50.00, is just a glimpse of what this rising star is capable of.

From the splash of the youngest swimmers to the seasoned strokes of the seniors, the meet delivered moments of pure magic. Potterhouse School’s Kibe Chris stunned the crowd in the boys’ 7 years and under 25m Backstroke, racing to the wall in 39.03 seconds. Not far behind in spirit was nine-year-old Nuru Nadia of Aqua Shark Fin, who powered through the girls’ 8-9 years 25m Breaststroke in just 26.19 seconds. “Swimming is my passion,” she beamed after the win. “I train a lot, and I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved today.” Her words, simple yet stirring, resonated deeply with anyone who understands the sacrifice behind success.

But this was not a solo act — it was a symphony of teams that brought color and character to the championship. From Acacia Park School, Aga Khan Academy Nairobi, Crawford International School, Genesis Sports, Woodcreek School, The Harpoons, Moi Nyeri Complex, Melvin Jones Academy, Loretto Convent Valley Road, Next Gen Multi-Sports Academy, Jawabu School, Gliding Dolphins, Supermarlins Swim Club, Potterhouse School, Orca Swim Club, Thika Marines, Nawiri Swim Club, Seal Swim Club, Beapro Swim Club, and Water Warriors Swim Club, among others, the poolside pulsed with energy and encouragement, coaches calling out times, parents on their feet, teammates cheering every lap.

And when the final whistle blew, it was Genesis Sports Limited who stood tallest, crowned overall champions with 64 medals — 32 golds, 22 silvers, and 10 bronze. Their dominance in the male category, racking up 48 medals, was complemented by strong showings from Orca Swim Club (43 medals) and Crawford International School (32). On the girls’ side, Potterhouse School Runda lit up the leaderboard with 28 medals, edging out Aqua Shark Fin (27) and Genesis Sports (15).

In the overall category Genesis Sports Limited were crowned the winners with 64 medals that is 32 golds, 22 silvers and 10 bronze,number two was scooped by Orca Swim Club with 28 golds, 25 silver and 15 bronze, a total of 68 medals while Aqua shark fin settled for third place with 19 golds,12 silver and 21 bronze a total of 52 medals speaking volumes about the depth of young talent bubbling beneath the surface.

The championship was hailed as one of the most competitive and well-organized galas in recent memory. Jeff Mutwiri Muthuri of Genesis Sports, swimming with the senior team, praised the event’s quality and the opportunity it gave athletes to measure themselves against the best. Coach Patricia Wanjiru of Jawabu School added a heartfelt thank you to Kiambu Aquatics, crediting the event with inspiring more parents to support their children’s swimming dreams, having witnessed firsthand the improvement and discipline the sport brings.

As the ripples of the event continue to spread, one thing is clear: Kenyan swimming is on the rise. The championship was not just a qualifying ground for the upcoming Kenya Aquatics Junior National Swimming Championship set for 3rd and 4th May 2025 in Kisumu — it was a spark. A spark that lit the waters with promise, possibility, and pride.

In Kiambu, records were broken, champions were born, and a nation was reminded that sometimes, the most powerful waves start with the smallest strokes.