Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Deputy President Paul Bitok has appealed to President William Ruto to galvanize national support for the Malkia Strikers ahead of the African Nations Women’s Volleyball Championship.
Speaking during a training session at Kasarani Indoor Arena, Bitok emphasized the importance of strong fan turnout and invited President Ruto to attend the tournament as the guest of honor.
"We sincerely thank our president, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, for his continued support. We humbly request him to be our guest of honor and encourage Kenyans to fill Kasarani in large numbers," Bitok said.
He highlighted that the backing of fans will be crucial as the team aims to defend their continental crown and secure qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
After three weeks of intensive residential training, Bitok expressed confidence in the team's readiness.
"The Malkia Strikers are working extremely hard and are prepared to win this year’s championship. I strongly believe we will clinch our 11th African title," he added.
Preparations Underway for the Championship
Bitok also provided updates on the tournament preparations, stating that venue setup at Kasarani and Ulinzi Complex is about 70% complete. Upgrades to lighting, scoreboards, air conditioning, and changing rooms have been made with support from the Ministries of Sports and Defence.
Sixteen teams have confirmed participation, with Congo already in Nairobi for acclimatization. Senegal, Algeria, and Morocco are expected to arrive before the official opening on August 23.
The Malkia Strikers are in the final stages of preparation, with the technical team set to announce the final 14-player roster soon.
