BY PETER BISHOP
The Nairobi County Swimming Association (NCSA) successfully hosted its Level 2 swimming gala at Kiota School in Nairobi attracting hundreds of swimmers, coaches, and supporters.
The three-day event was aimed at testing new electronic equipment and giving young swimmers a platform to showcase their skills. It was described as one of the best-organized in recent years, not only highlighting emerging talent but also underlining the growing popularity of competitive swimming in the capital.
NCSA Chairman Teddy Wamunyu hailed the gala as a milestone. “The Level 2 gala was very well done, especially considering it was an inaugural gala to test our equipment. We are happy with the technology, and the talent displayed. The turnout was very impressive and at some point, we almost got overwhelmed by the numbers, which shows just how much the event was successful,” he said.
The competition featured participants as young as six years old, cheered on by parents and supporters throughout the heats and finals. The new timing technology introduced was praised for improving accuracy and efficiency, reducing disputes, and ensuring swimmers concentrated fully on their performance. “Our standards have completely changed now that we have gone fully electronic. We are online throughout and have instant results. From now onwards, Nairobi is the place to go” said Wamunyu
Relay and Individual Highlights
The gala produced standout performances across multiple age groups:
Girls 8–9 4x50m Medley Relay: RUSS won in 3:22.12, led by Kayitesi Karimba, Etana Ng’ang’a, Jasmine Okande, and Wambui Kibuka. Little Fish finished second in 3:29.86.
Girls 10–11 4x50m Medley Relay: Sailfish stormed to victory in 2:50.55 with a strong swim from Farrin Savage, Alma Koome, Zuri Kemucie, and Ariana Saru. KIAND was second in 3:13.77.
Girls 12–13 4x50m Medley Relay: GSN broke the meet record with a commanding 2:31.88, courtesy of Anok De Alessi, Malia Walti, Leni Herzog, and Anahi Kabuga. KIAND (2:47.96) and Little Fish (2:49.60) followed.
Boys 16–18 800m Freestyle: Max Kenyi of BRSC impressed with a strong finish, clocking 9:58.80, well under the qualifying standard.
Girls 8–9 50m Breaststroke: Etana Ng’ang’a of RUSS claimed victory in 57.48, followed by Tashly Ochieng of KIAND (1:00.74) and Sasha Korir of Little Fish (1:01.61).
Girls 10–11 50m Breaststroke: Sailfish’s Farrin Savage won in 45.35, ahead of Amy Ojee (SCIS, 46.27) and Sofie Pauwels (BRSC, 46.31).
Girls 12–13 50m Breaststroke: Caitlyn Oyaro (BRSC) stole the show, breaking the meet record in 41.68, followed by Keanna Knopp (FTA, 43.83) and Naisula Maina (Hydra, 43.84).
Girls 16–18 50m Breaststroke: Wangechi Maina (Hydra) topped the field with 42.62.
Nairobi’s Talent and the Road to CANA
Wamunyu also lauded Nairobi’s dominance in producing top swimmers. “The talent we have here is huge, and I can confidently say Nairobi has the best talent in the country,” he said.
Looking ahead, he urged openness and timely communication ahead of the Confederation Africaine de Natation (CANA) Zone 3 event, which Nairobi will host from October 19th. “We want openness in the criteria for upcoming competitions, especially with CANA around the corner. There should be a countdown online and information about the teams coming so that our swimmers can be psychologically ready,” he emphasized.
He also called for more structured training to nurture young athletes. “Our young talents need regular training. That is the only way we can keep improving and ensure they are ready for international stages. You can imagine that until now, the relay teams have not been called to any camp, despite the upcoming competitions. That is an area we need to really work on,” Wamunyu added.
The Kiota gala marked a key milestone in the NCSA calendar, reinforcing the association’s commitment to developing grassroots talent and preparing athletes for both national and international competitions.
