Kenya Aquatics VP calls on President Ruto to extend football-style motivation to swimming.
Kenya’s swimming community is making waves — but this time outside the pool. Kenya Aquatics Second Vice President Hillary Leboy has appealed to President William Ruto to extend the same recognition and motivation he has shown Harambee Stars ahead of CHAN 2024.
Leboy says the President’s push for football has inspired many athletes and could do the same for swimmers:
“We are not just asking for money but for recognition… the same belief he has in football should be extended to us.”
The call for support comes as Kenya prepares to host the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Swimming Championships in October at Kasarani Aquatic Stadium. The event will draw over 20 nations and showcase Kenya as both a sports and tourism destination.
Leboy stressed that the competition could change young lives:
“Imagine the boost for a swimmer training in a county without a proper pool if they felt the President believed in them.”
Preparations are in full swing, with more than 200 African swimming coaches currently undergoing ASCA Coaching Certification at Crawford International School. The clinic is led by top U.S. tactician Sarah Holman, who is also running a high-performance camp at Potterhouse School in Runda.
Holman sees huge potential in Kenya’s talent:
“With the right support, these swimmers could be world-class.”
She has also pledged to launch exchange programs to help nurture the country’s raw talent.
As October approaches, the sport’s stakeholders hope Ruto’s backing could place swimming on the same national stage as football — uniting Kenyans in pride, one stroke at a time.
