Kenya has stepped up preparations for the Africa Netball Cup 2026 following the successful conclusion of the Kenya Netball Federation (KNF) Cup, which doubled up as the national team selection tournament for the continental championship.
The two-day competition, held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, brought together leading clubs, county teams, schools, colleges and universities from across the country as selectors assessed players ahead of the tournament, which Kenya will host from September 19 to 26.
The championship attracted a blend of experienced internationals and emerging young talent, giving the technical bench an opportunity to identify the players who will represent the country when 15 of Africa’s top netball nations compete in Nairobi.
One of the standout performers was Kenyan international Lydia Nyapere, who recently returned from Zimbabwe after a successful stint with Makate Highflyers in the country’s premier netball league.
The former Kenya Prisons player said she was delighted to reunite with her former teammates and contribute the international experience she gained abroad as Kenya targets continental success on home soil.
The tournament also showcased the country’s growing talent pipeline, with promising players from Raila Educational Centre, Mbagathi Road Secondary School, Kiriri University and Mawego National Polytechnic competing alongside established clubs from Nairobi, Kiambu and Kilifi counties.
In the women’s final, Kenya Prisons underlined their dominance by defeating Ulinzi 22-16 to lift the KNF Cup title after an entertaining contest at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
With the selection process now complete, the Kenya Netball Federation will shift its focus to national team training camps as preparations intensify ahead of the Africa Netball Cup.
Both the men’s and women’s teams are expected to begin residential training in the coming weeks as Kenya seeks to capitalize on home advantage, challenge for the continental title and secure qualification for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027.
The Africa Netball Cup will bring together the continent’s top teams in Nairobi, with Kenya hoping to use the tournament to reaffirm its status as one of Africa’s leading netball nations.
