Kenya is set to showcase its wrestling talent on the continental stage as the national team prepares to compete in the upcoming Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt. The squad represents a carefully curated blend of cadet, junior, and senior wrestlers, highlighting the country’s commitment to both youth development and sustained excellence at the senior level.
The highlight of Kenya’s strategy is its cadet team, comprised of athletes aged 16 and 17, who are being groomed for future global competitions, including the Youth Olympic Games scheduled in Dakar, Senegal. By investing in young talent now, Kenya hopes to establish a pipeline of wrestlers capable of competing at the highest international levels. This initiative underscores the importance the Kenya Wrestling Federation places on nurturing emerging athletes while maintaining competitive senior squads.
The cadet female team arrives in Alexandria with confidence, having demonstrated their prowess at the 2025 African Championships held in Casablanca, Morocco, where each member returned home with a medal. Leading the charge is Jemimah Wanjala, a proven performer who has represented Kenya at multiple international competitions, including the African Beach Games. Her leadership, combined with the team’s collective experience, positions the cadet female wrestlers as strong contenders for medals in Egypt.
Cadet wrestler Clinton Omari is another athlete to watch. He enters the championships riding the momentum of his success at the 2025 African Schools Games in Annaba, Algeria, where he secured two bronze medals. Omari’s consistent performance in regional competitions reflects both his technical skill and his mental resilience, making him a key figure in Kenya’s hopes for continental wrestling glory.
Speaking after the team announcement, Secretary General Eric Walucho acknowledged the complexities involved in selecting the squad. Budget constraints played a significant role in shaping the final team roster, particularly at the senior level, where financial limitations restricted the number of athletes who could participate. Despite these challenges, Walucho expressed confidence in the squad’s potential.
“It has been a tough task, but we have finally concluded the team selection. Ideally, we would have liked a larger senior squad, but our budget limited us. That said, preparations are progressing well. The cadet female wrestlers are all proven medalists, led by Jemimah Wanjala, an Olympian and strong performer at last year’s African Beach Games. The team represents a blend of youth and experience, and we are hopeful of bringing glory to Kenya,” Walucho said.
Kenya’s cadet female team for the championships includes:
Jemimah Nakhumicha (65kg)
Janet Ingwesi (69kg)
Joy Lichuma (57kg)
Joy Shalyng (49kg)
Nancy Sophia (70kg)
Meanwhile, the cadet male squad features:
Clinton Omari (51kg)
Galfin Wangira (59kg)
Dan Kegode (60kg)
Vincent Waweru (65kg)
Calvin Nyatuka (70kg)
The junior category is represented by Faith Wamalwa (68kg) and Dyvonter Ashly (62kg), who have both demonstrated impressive progress in their respective weight classes. Their inclusion reflects Kenya’s ongoing effort to bridge the gap between cadet and senior competition levels, ensuring that emerging talent gains exposure to high-level wrestling before transitioning fully to senior ranks.
At the senior level, Kenya will field both male and female competitors, including Sintia Nakhumicha (57kg), Faith Wamalwa, Dyvonter Ashly, Kenneth Koech (70kg), Mahabila Mathayo (70kg), and Joel Tukai (125kg). The senior squad, though smaller than ideal, boasts experience and technical capability, with athletes who have previously represented Kenya in international competitions and earned respect on the African wrestling scene.
Preparations for the championships have been intensive. Training sessions have focused on refining technical skills, improving strength and conditioning, and developing tactical strategies for each weight category. Coaches have emphasized the importance of mental preparation, ensuring that athletes can maintain focus under pressure, adapt to different wrestling styles, and perform consistently across multiple bouts.
The Wrestling Championships in Alexandria are not only a test of skill but also an opportunity for Kenya’s athletes to gain invaluable experience on the continental stage. Competing against Africa’s best wrestlers will provide insights into emerging trends in technique and strategy, which can be incorporated into future training programs. For cadet athletes, these championships offer a platform to measure themselves against their peers, laying the foundation for a potential Youth Olympic Games campaign.
Financial constraints have posed challenges for the Kenya Wrestling Federation, but the team’s spirit and determination remain undeterred. The federation is optimistic that strong performances from both cadet and senior wrestlers will not only bring medals but also attract greater investment in the sport, enabling broader participation and more comprehensive preparation in future events.
As the team prepares for departure to Alexandria, anticipation is high among coaches, athletes, and supporters alike. With a balanced combination of youth, experience, and proven talent, Kenya is poised to make a significant impact at the championships. The nation’s wrestlers are ready to step onto the mat with skill, determination, and the shared goal of bringing pride to their country.
Kenya’s wrestling contingent, guided by seasoned coaches and led by talented athletes across all categories, now focuses on one mission: to wrestle their way to glory in Alexandria and lay the groundwork for future success on the continental and global stage.
The highlight of Kenya’s strategy is its cadet team, comprised of athletes aged 16 and 17, who are being groomed for future global competitions, including the Youth Olympic Games scheduled in Dakar, Senegal. By investing in young talent now, Kenya hopes to establish a pipeline of wrestlers capable of competing at the highest international levels. This initiative underscores the importance the Kenya Wrestling Federation places on nurturing emerging athletes while maintaining competitive senior squads.
The cadet female team arrives in Alexandria with confidence, having demonstrated their prowess at the 2025 African Championships held in Casablanca, Morocco, where each member returned home with a medal. Leading the charge is Jemimah Wanjala, a proven performer who has represented Kenya at multiple international competitions, including the African Beach Games. Her leadership, combined with the team’s collective experience, positions the cadet female wrestlers as strong contenders for medals in Egypt.
Cadet wrestler Clinton Omari is another athlete to watch. He enters the championships riding the momentum of his success at the 2025 African Schools Games in Annaba, Algeria, where he secured two bronze medals. Omari’s consistent performance in regional competitions reflects both his technical skill and his mental resilience, making him a key figure in Kenya’s hopes for continental wrestling glory.
Speaking after the team announcement, Secretary General Eric Walucho acknowledged the complexities involved in selecting the squad. Budget constraints played a significant role in shaping the final team roster, particularly at the senior level, where financial limitations restricted the number of athletes who could participate. Despite these challenges, Walucho expressed confidence in the squad’s potential.
“It has been a tough task, but we have finally concluded the team selection. Ideally, we would have liked a larger senior squad, but our budget limited us. That said, preparations are progressing well. The cadet female wrestlers are all proven medalists, led by Jemimah Wanjala, an Olympian and strong performer at last year’s African Beach Games. The team represents a blend of youth and experience, and we are hopeful of bringing glory to Kenya,” Walucho said.
Kenya’s cadet female team for the championships includes:
Jemimah Nakhumicha (65kg)
Janet Ingwesi (69kg)
Joy Lichuma (57kg)
Joy Shalyng (49kg)
Nancy Sophia (70kg)
Meanwhile, the cadet male squad features:
Clinton Omari (51kg)
Galfin Wangira (59kg)
Dan Kegode (60kg)
Vincent Waweru (65kg)
Calvin Nyatuka (70kg)
The junior category is represented by Faith Wamalwa (68kg) and Dyvonter Ashly (62kg), who have both demonstrated impressive progress in their respective weight classes. Their inclusion reflects Kenya’s ongoing effort to bridge the gap between cadet and senior competition levels, ensuring that emerging talent gains exposure to high-level wrestling before transitioning fully to senior ranks.
At the senior level, Kenya will field both male and female competitors, including Sintia Nakhumicha (57kg), Faith Wamalwa, Dyvonter Ashly, Kenneth Koech (70kg), Mahabila Mathayo (70kg), and Joel Tukai (125kg). The senior squad, though smaller than ideal, boasts experience and technical capability, with athletes who have previously represented Kenya in international competitions and earned respect on the African wrestling scene.
Preparations for the championships have been intensive. Training sessions have focused on refining technical skills, improving strength and conditioning, and developing tactical strategies for each weight category. Coaches have emphasized the importance of mental preparation, ensuring that athletes can maintain focus under pressure, adapt to different wrestling styles, and perform consistently across multiple bouts.
The Wrestling Championships in Alexandria are not only a test of skill but also an opportunity for Kenya’s athletes to gain invaluable experience on the continental stage. Competing against Africa’s best wrestlers will provide insights into emerging trends in technique and strategy, which can be incorporated into future training programs. For cadet athletes, these championships offer a platform to measure themselves against their peers, laying the foundation for a potential Youth Olympic Games campaign.
Financial constraints have posed challenges for the Kenya Wrestling Federation, but the team’s spirit and determination remain undeterred. The federation is optimistic that strong performances from both cadet and senior wrestlers will not only bring medals but also attract greater investment in the sport, enabling broader participation and more comprehensive preparation in future events.
As the team prepares for departure to Alexandria, anticipation is high among coaches, athletes, and supporters alike. With a balanced combination of youth, experience, and proven talent, Kenya is poised to make a significant impact at the championships. The nation’s wrestlers are ready to step onto the mat with skill, determination, and the shared goal of bringing pride to their country.
Kenya’s wrestling contingent, guided by seasoned coaches and led by talented athletes across all categories, now focuses on one mission: to wrestle their way to glory in Alexandria and lay the groundwork for future success on the continental and global stage.
