Kenya Women’s Volleyball Team, known as the Malkia Strikers, represents the country in international volleyball competitions. Kenya reached the final of the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Championship in Nairobi, where Egypt won 3–0 on 4 September 2026. The runners-up finish secured Kenya a place at the 2027 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup. For more Kenya volleyball stories, visit the SportPesa Kenya sports blog.
The Malkia Strikers have been among Africa’s leading national teams for decades. Kenya won its tenth African Women’s Championship title in 2023 and has also represented the continent at the Olympic Games. Explore the team’s history, players, coaching staff, achievements, playing style and latest results below.
Read also: Junior Malkia Strikers beat Cameroon to win U20 African volleyball title
Profile overview of the Kenya women’s national volleyball team
| Profile | Details |
| Official team name | Kenya Women’s National Volleyball Team |
| Nickname | Malkia Strikers |
| Country | Kenya |
| Sport | Indoor volleyball |
| National federation | Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) |
| African confederation | Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) |
| International governing body | Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) |
| Head coach at 2026 African Championship | Geoffrey Omondi |
| African Women’s Championship titles | 10 (most recent title in 2023) |
| 2026 African Championship | Runners-up; lost 3–0 to Egypt on 4 September |
| 2027 global tournament | Qualified for FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup |
History of the Malkia Strikers
Malkia Strikers rose to prominence in African volleyball in the 1990s and have established a record of success at the continental level. Kenya’s first African Championship title came in 1991. The team went on to win further continental titles and became a regular representative of African volleyball at major international competitions.
Kenya made its Olympic debut at Sydney 2000 and returned for Athens 2004. The Malkia Strikers also featured at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. In 2023, Kenya defeated Egypt in straight sets to claim a record-extending tenth African Championship title. Egypt reversed that result in the 2026 final, but Kenya still qualified for the 2027 World Cup.
Kenya women’s national volleyball team players
Head coach Geoffrey Omondi selected a 14-player squad for the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Championship. The players below formed that tournament roster; subsequent national-team selections may differ.
| Player (2026 tournament squad) | Position |
| Emmaculate Nekesa | Setter |
| Esther Mutinda | Setter |
| Merlin Terry | Opposite hitter |
| Mercy Iminza | Opposite hitter |
| Gladys Ekaru | Middle blocker |
| Belinda Barasa | Middle blocker |
| Marian Sokoiyo | Middle blocker |
| Lorine Chebet | Middle blocker |
| Veronicah Adhiambo | Outside hitter |
| Milka Akinyi | Outside hitter |
| Meldina Sande | Outside hitter |
| Daisy Letting | Outside hitter |
| Josphine Kataa | Libero |
| Sharon Arusei | Libero |
Kenya’s volleyball development also draws strength from domestic clubs. SportPesa previously covered the Kenya Pipeline and KCB women’s volleyball rivalry.
Kenya women’s national volleyball team coach and technical staff
Geoffrey Omondi was the head coach for Kenya’s 2026 African Championship campaign. The published tournament technical bench included the following staff:
| Role | Name |
| Head coach | Geoffrey Omondi |
| Assistant coaches | David Muthui Kinga; Patrick Sang’ |
| Statistician | Brackcides Agala |
| Physiotherapist | Conceptor Bala |
| Team manager | Neddy Kilimo |
| Head of delegation | Paul Bitok |
Coaching appointments and delegation roles can change between tournaments. The names above refer to the 2026 African Championship setup, rather than a permanent national-team staff list.
Kenya women’s national volleyball team achievements
Malkia Strikers have won ten African Women’s Volleyball Championship titles and made four Olympic appearances. Their 2026 African Championship silver medal added another podium finish while securing a ticket to the following year’s global tournament.
| Year / period | Competition | Achievement |
| 1991 | African Women’s Championship | First continental title |
| 2000 | Olympic Games | First Olympic appearance |
| 2004 | Olympic Games | Second Olympic appearance |
| 2020 | Olympic Games | Returned after missing the intervening Games |
| 2023 | African Women’s Championship | Tenth continental title; beat Egypt 3–0 |
| 2024 | Olympic Games | Represented Kenya at Paris 2024 |
| 2026 | CAVB Women’s African Nations Championship | Runners-up to Egypt; qualified for 2027 World Cup |
Kenyan volleyball has also been shaped by influential internationals including the late Janet Wanja. Read her Malkia Strikers career profile.
Kenya women’s national volleyball team fixtures and results
The Kenya women’s volleyball team plays international fixtures across African and world-level competitions. Dates, opponents, match venues and selected players change from tournament to tournament, so fixtures should be confirmed against the organiser’s latest schedule rather than maintained as a fixed list on this team profile.
Kenya’s most recent major result covered here was the 3–0 defeat to Egypt in the 2026 continental final. The team had reached that match after beating Cameroon 3–0 in the semi-final. For current international competition schedules and confirmed results, consult the official FIVB competition pages and team announcements.
For volleyball news and further Kenyan sports coverage, explore SportPesa Kenya.
Playing style and strengths of the Malkia Strikers
Malkia Strikers have built their reputation on powerful attacks, strong blocking and committed team play. Against top international opponents, serve reception, defensive organisation and adapting the attack can make the difference. The 2026 final against Egypt showed how important consistent execution remains when Kenya faces strong opposition.
How to follow Malkia Strikers updates
Supporters can follow Kenya Volleyball Federation announcements and FIVB competition coverage for confirmed squad selections, tournament draws, fixtures and results. SportPesa Kenya also covers major matches, players and developments involving Malkia Strikers.
You can explore SportPesa Score for current scores and supported competition data; check whether the volleyball competition you want is available in the service.
FAQs about the Kenya women’s national volleyball team
What is Kenya’s women’s national volleyball team called?
Kenya’s national women’s volleyball team is called the Malkia Strikers.
Who coached Malkia Strikers at the 2026 African Championship?
Geoffrey Omondi was Kenya’s head coach at the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Championship.
Who played for Kenya at the 2026 African Championship?
The 14-player squad included Emmaculate Nekesa, Esther Mutinda, Gladys Ekaru, Veronicah Adhiambo, Meldina Sande and other players listed in the tournament squad table above.
How many African Championship titles have Malkia Strikers won?
Kenya has won ten African Women’s Championship titles, with the tenth coming in 2023.
Did Kenya qualify for the 2027 Women’s Volleyball World Cup?
Yes. Kenya qualified after reaching the final of the 2026 African Nations Championship in Nairobi.
Conclusion
With ten African Championship titles, four Olympic appearances and a place at the 2027 Women’s Volleyball World Cup, the Kenya women’s national volleyball team remains one of the continent’s most successful sides. Follow Malkia Strikers’ squad announcements, fixtures and match results through official volleyball sources and SportPesa Kenya’s coverage.
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