Kenya will no longer host the 2026 Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone V Club Championship after regional officials ruled that the country was not adequately prepared to stage the event.
The tournament, which was set to take place in Nairobi from February 8 to 16 and feature both men’s and women’s competitions, has been withdrawn from Kenya’s calendar. The Confederation of African Volleyball cited the Kenya Volleyball Federation’s failure to meet hosting requirements within the set timelines.
CAVB Zone V President Sadik Nasiwu communicated the decision to member federations through an official circular, confirming that the championship would be relocated.
“We regret to inform you that the above championship that was scheduled for 8th to 16th February in Kenya has been pushed following the Kenya Volleyball Federation’s inability to host as planned,” Nasiwu stated.
He indicated that the continental body would announce a new host nation and venue in due course, while assuring stakeholders that other Zone V competitions would proceed without disruption. An apology was also issued to teams and partners affected by the late change.
CAVB did not outline the specific shortcomings that led to the decision, leaving unanswered questions over the extent of the logistical or organisational challenges involved, especially with the tournament less than three weeks away.
The Zone V Club Championship is a key annual event in the regional volleyball calendar, drawing elite clubs from up to 12 countries, among them Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Egypt. Beyond regional bragging rights, the competition plays an important role in club rankings and qualification for continental tournaments.
Kenya had been awarded hosting rights in November after seeing off competition from Uganda and Ethiopia, raising expectations of a high-profile return to staging major regional volleyball events.
The most recent edition was held in Uganda, where Rwanda’s APR swept both the men’s and women’s titles. Rwanda has also hosted the championship in 2019 and 2023.
With the opening date approaching, CAVB Zone V officials are now under pressure to secure an alternative host in time for the tournament to go ahead as scheduled.
