Kenya aims for 2026 World Rafting Championships hosting rights after African gold sweep
Kenya will submit an official bid next month in Rome, Italy, to host the 2026 World Rafting Championships, following its impressive performance at the inaugural African Rafting Championship held last week on River Sagana in Murang'a County.
Rafting, a high-adrenaline sport where teams navigate inflatable boats through whitewater rapids, includes several race formats such as sprint, slalom, head-to-head, and downriver. Each race demands intense coordination among four to six paddlers.
Kenya Rafting Federation Secretary-General William Kinuthia, who will lead the Rome-bound delegation, expressed confidence in the country’s ability to host the global event, citing River Sagana’s safety and competition readiness.
Best course in Africa
“River Sagana has the best course in Africa, and that’s why the just concluded event was held in Kenya. The river has held Olympic qualifiers before, and it is ready to host any global white-water rafting event,” Kinuthia said.
He added that Kenya’s river conditions offer a unique advantage. “The waters in the river also do not have the threat of crocodiles and hippos, and this also gives us an advantage over other countries. We are ready to convince the world that Kenya is ready to welcome the World Championships next year.”
If successful, Kenya would become only the second African country to host the prestigious competition, following South Africa’s edition in 1999.
Kenya's strong showing at the African championship — where the national team clinched gold medals in both men's and women's slalom and downriver events — has further boosted the country’s credentials.
These victories also secured Kenya’s qualification for this year’s Senior World Rafting Championships in Argentina.
The 2025 World Championships will take place in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, from November 3 to 9, featuring around 400 athletes from 30 countries.
Ahead of that event, Kenya’s team will participate in the East Africa Ocean Rafting Championship in Mombasa from October 9 to 12 and train on Tanzania’s Rufiji River to prepare for the global stage.
“Now that Kenya will feature at this year’s global event, this will also strengthen our bid to host the event next year,” Kinyanjui added.
Rafting, a high-adrenaline sport where teams navigate inflatable boats through whitewater rapids, includes several race formats such as sprint, slalom, head-to-head, and downriver. Each race demands intense coordination among four to six paddlers.
Kenya Rafting Federation Secretary-General William Kinuthia, who will lead the Rome-bound delegation, expressed confidence in the country’s ability to host the global event, citing River Sagana’s safety and competition readiness.
Best course in Africa
“River Sagana has the best course in Africa, and that’s why the just concluded event was held in Kenya. The river has held Olympic qualifiers before, and it is ready to host any global white-water rafting event,” Kinuthia said.
He added that Kenya’s river conditions offer a unique advantage. “The waters in the river also do not have the threat of crocodiles and hippos, and this also gives us an advantage over other countries. We are ready to convince the world that Kenya is ready to welcome the World Championships next year.”
If successful, Kenya would become only the second African country to host the prestigious competition, following South Africa’s edition in 1999.
Kenya's strong showing at the African championship — where the national team clinched gold medals in both men's and women's slalom and downriver events — has further boosted the country’s credentials.
These victories also secured Kenya’s qualification for this year’s Senior World Rafting Championships in Argentina.
The 2025 World Championships will take place in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, from November 3 to 9, featuring around 400 athletes from 30 countries.
Ahead of that event, Kenya’s team will participate in the East Africa Ocean Rafting Championship in Mombasa from October 9 to 12 and train on Tanzania’s Rufiji River to prepare for the global stage.
“Now that Kenya will feature at this year’s global event, this will also strengthen our bid to host the event next year,” Kinyanjui added.
2026 World Rafting Championships
African Rafting Championship
River Sagana rafting
Let’s Connect
We’re here to listen, support, and engage with you.
Whether it’s feedback, a request, or collaboration — Hon. Yusuf Hassan’s team welcomes your message.
Office Address
Kamukunji Constituency Office, Nairobi
Call
+254 737 500200, +254 716 667733
“Leadership is not about position — it’s about purpose, people, and progress.”