The Kenya Amateur Wrestling Association (KAWA) has released a list of 16 junior and senior grapplers who will represent Kenya in the upcoming 2026 Africa Wrestling Championships scheduled for April 27 to May 2 in Alexandria, Egypt, at the Borg El Arab Sports Hall.
Speaking to Radio Generation on Thursday evening from KAWA’s offices in Nairobi, Association Secretary General Erick Walucho expressed optimism about his charges but also warned the juniors that Kenya needs to qualify more youngsters for the upcoming Dakar Youth Olympics in October this year.
“Yes, we do have other competitions, but I have a passion for these youngsters because they are the future of Kenya’s wrestling,” Walucho said.
“All female cadets are going to defend the medals they won at the previous African Championships in Casablanca, Morocco in 2025, while Clinton Omari in the 51kg cadet male category will also be defending his two bronze medals won at the African School Games held in Annaba, Algeria in 2025,” Walucho added.
“Having qualified Jemimah Nakhumicha and Calvin Nyatuka for Dakar in October has given me a reason to fight hard. I still need six or more others for that global event,” the SG said, adding that by September, KAWA is optimistic about targeting at least ten youngsters for the Dakar event.
For the upcoming Africa Championships in Alexandria, KAWA has selected ten cadets (U-17), five male and five female, with Dakar Youth Olympics qualifier Jemimah Nakhumicha (65kg) leading the group alongside Janet Ingwesi (69kg), Joy Lichuma (57kg), Joy Shalyng (49kg), and Nancy Sophia (70kg).
Highly rated Calvin Nyatuka (70kg) also leads the male cadet category and will be joined by Clinton Omari (51kg), Galfin Wangira (59kg), Dan Kegode (60kg), and Vincent Waweru (65kg) for the Alexandria assignment.
Only two juniors made the cut for Egypt: Faith Wamalwa (68kg) and Dyvonter Ashly (62kg), following a tough selection process from the recently concluded Nairobi and Naivasha legs of the national amateur wrestling league.
Walucho’s contingent will also feature senior wrestlers in both the men’s and women’s categories. In the women’s category are Sintia Nakhumicha (57kg), Faith Wamalwa, and Dyvonter Ashly, while the men’s senior category includes Kenneth Koech (70kg), Mahabila Mathayo (70kg), and Joel Tukai (125kg).
The 2026 Africa Wrestling Championships is a premier continental event for U-17, U-20, and senior categories. It serves as a major qualification and preparation competition for athletes targeting events such as the Dakar Youth Olympics in October and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games in the United States.