Kenya’s national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, has unveiled a provisional squad of 24 players ahead of the 2026 Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship set to be staged in Nairobi from August 23 to September 5.
The squad was announced on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium Basketball Court during an event attended by Kenya Volleyball Federation officials led by Deputy President Paul Bitok, Vice President Kenneth Tanui, and National Sports Organising Secretary John Oronje.
Head coach Geoffrey Omondi retained a strong core of experienced players while integrating new talent as the team begins early preparations for the continental showpiece.
The tournament will serve as a qualifier for both the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship in Poland and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
A total of 11 new players have been included in the squad, alongside foreign-based stars Veronica Adhiambo, who plies her trade in Greece, and Meldina Sande of Police Rwanda. The additions are aimed at boosting squad depth and injecting international experience into the team.
Kenya will host the African championship for the first time in 11 years, marking a return since 2015 when the Malkia Strikers clinched the title on home soil.
The team was last in action at the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship in Thailand, where they fiinished 20th overall and registered a notable straight-sets victory of Vietnam.
Malkia Strikers Provisional Squad
Setters
Emmaculate Nekesa (KPC), Fridah Boke (KCB), Esther Mutinda (KCB), Sheila Kasandi (KPR).
Opposite Hitters
Mercy Iminza (DCI), Marlene Terry (KCB), Deborah Chesang (KCB)
Middle Blockers
Gladys Ekaru (KPC), Belinda Barasa (KCB), Lorine Chebet (KPR), Marian Sokoiyo (KPC), Pauline Chemutai (KCB), Caroline Sirengo (DCI), Ann Lowem (KPR)
Outside Hitters
Veronica Adhiambo (Greece), Meldina Sande (Police Rwanda), Juliana Namutira (KCB), Sarah Namisi (DCI), Jemimah Siang’u (DCI), Pauline Itoo (KPR).
Liberos
Celestine Nyongesa (KPC), Sharon Sandui (KPR), Josephine Kataa (KCB).
Team Officials
Head Coach- Geoffrey Omondi
Assistant Coaches- David Muthui, Patrick Sang
Statistician- Blackxides Agala
Physiotherapist- Bella Conceptor
Team Manager- Neddy Kilimo
Head of Delegation- Paul Bitok
