11-year-old Angel Muiruri from Bandari Swim club won gold in the 12-and-under 1km race with a time of 53:08.20, in the just concluded National Open Water Swimming Championship on Sunday, 12th April 12 2026, at Nyali Beach in Mombasa.
Speaking on the very day from Nyali beach, Kenya Aquatics Executive Committee Member and Open Water Coordinator Heize Kahindo said participation and performance levels have improved with more than 90 swimmers taking part this year, compared to 60 last year, showing growing interest in open water swimming.
"The event is growing bigger, there is an interest with swimming now in Kenya, something that at the federation level we are noted with a lot of concern," said Kahindo, adding that the results from the championship will help in selecting a team for the upcoming African Cup and World Cup competitions.
Angel Muiruri's clubmates, Machocho Mariyana and Salima Omar, finished second and third, giving Bandari a clean sweep in the race.
In the boys’ 14–15 category, 15-year-old Aktham Yahya from Aquatics Sports Team took gold in the 1,500m race, clocking 26:35.25, finishing ahead of Ali Abdul Rahman and Ahmed Yaqub, both from Aquatic Sports Academy.
Some of the swimming clubs from across the country that took part in the one-day event include Aquatic Sports Academy, Bandari Swim Team, Blue Ocean, Castle Sports, Wave Warriors, Swim Fit, Genesis Sports Limited, and Nakuru Athletics Club.
The event brought together swimmers from different counties in a strong display of endurance and emerging talent, marking the end of a successful two-day swimming festival, which also included the National Masters Championship on Saturday, highlighting the steady growth of the sport in Kenya.
