The Malkia Strikers are one win away from retaining their African title after powering past Cameroon 3-0 in a dominant semi-final at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Thursday.
The defending champions took control of the contest and never allowed their long-time rivals to find a way back, completing the straight-sets victory with a 25-20 win in the final set.
The result sent Kenya into Friday’s final, where they will meet Egypt, who booked their place in the title clash after beating Rwanda 3-0 in the other semi-final. The final will be played at 6 pm.
Kenya are now chasing a record-extending 11th continental title as they seek to keep their crown on home soil. The Malkia Strikers are also looking to repeat their success from 2023, when they beat Egypt 3-0 in the final held in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
The latest victory over Cameroon further strengthened Kenya’s record in a rivalry that has produced some of the biggest contests in African women’s volleyball. The two sides have battled for continental honours on several occasions, with Kenya reclaiming the African crown in 2023.
The Malkia Strikers had to fight their way into the semi-finals after losing the opening set against Algeria in their quarter-final. They responded strongly, winning the next three sets 25-7, 25-15 and 25-18 to complete a 3-1 comeback and secure a place in the last four.
The 2026 African Nations Volleyball Championship is being staged in Nairobi, giving Kenya the chance to defend the title in front of a home crowd.
The tournament also carries an added reward, with the champions earning direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano congratulated the Malkia Strikers after their semi-final victory, praising their resilience, teamwork and fighting spirit.
Miano said the team had continued to raise the profile of Kenyan volleyball while displaying the country’s sporting talent.
The Malkia Strikers will now shift their focus to Egypt as they prepare for Friday’s final, with the continental crown and a place at the 2028 Olympic Games at stake.