In Gaborone, Kenya’s senior squad
will compete in the team event from February 9–12, before the individual
championships take the centre stage from February 13–15.
Captain Sammy Sikoyo will lead a
men’s lineup that includes John Wanyoike, Dennis Simiyu, Wilkie
Keragori, Joseph Githitu, Patrick Kinyua and Edwin Akwanyi.
On the women’s side, experienced
Jacinta Sengera will captain the team featuring Kenya number one Naomi
Wandili alongside Brittney Misoy, Blessing Buyanzi and Yvonne Mwikali. Kenya will be chasing continental
medals and crucial ranking points that feed into the Olympic
qualification period.
With strong finishes, they will be expected to boost the
country’s standing ahead of the African Championships and World Tour
events over the next two years.
Meanwhile, in Bahrain, Africa’s
number one-ranked player, Anthony Ojwang (SH6), will captain the
para-badminton team as Kenya seeks to build on its growing global
reputation.
Ojwang leads a squad that includes
Africa silver medallist Mary Nduku (SL3), Africa gold medallist Benson
Nduva (SL4), World Ability Sport relay gold medallists Caleb Omollo
(SU5) and Elizabeth Nabwire (SL4), alongside Corrine Mwangi (SH6) and wheelchair athlete Ann Syombua.
The para team is fresh from a breakthrough performance at the 2025 World Ability Sport Beach
Games in Turkey, where Kenya claimed two gold medals. The result elevated several players into the top tier of African rankings and
strengthened their Paralympic qualification prospects.
At the Bahrain World Championships,
medalists stand to earn significant ranking points, a crucial step
toward securing slots for the 2028 Paralympic Games once the
qualification window officially opens.
