NAIROBI, KENYA — Kenya has sent six athletes to Uganda for the 2026 Africa AirBadminton Championships, which serve as a qualifier for the 2029 World Games in Karlsruhe, Germany.
The continental championships are being held from September 16–19 at Aero Beach in Entebbe, with the Zone 5 Regional Championships scheduled for September 20–22 at the same venue.
Badminton Kenya President Peter Muchiri said Kenya is targeting a top-two finish at the continental competition to secure qualification for the World Games.
Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, Muchiri said the team had undergone adequate preparations ahead of the championships.
“We have managed to send six of our best athletes, three ladies and three men, to Entebbe,” Muchiri said.
“I know they will do well and qualify for the World Games in Germany because, with the support of the Ministry of Sports, we have prepared well,” he added.
The Kenyan team will be coached by UK-trained badminton tactician Brijesh Jagdish Sonigra, assisted by team manager John Mburu.
The men’s team comprises Edwin Akwanyi, Sammy Sikoyo and Calvin Simiyu, while Jacinta Sengera, Yvonne Mwikali and Buyanzi Blessing will represent Kenya in the women’s competition.
The six Kenyan athletes are part of a field of more than 120 competitors representing 14 African countries.
The participating nations are Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Comoros, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Defending champions Egypt will seek to retain their continental title, while hosts Uganda will also be looking to make an impact on home soil.
The Africa AirBadminton Championships will provide the Kenyan team with an opportunity to compete for continental honours while pursuing qualification for the 2029 World Games, scheduled for July 19–29 in Karlsruhe, Germany.
