By David Ndolo
The Kenya Wheelchair Basketball Federation (KWBF) has dispatched men’s and women’s teams to Bengo Province in Luanda, Angola, for the 2026 IWBF Africa Senior Wheelchair Basketball Championships.
Each category features 12 players, who will compete in both the 3×3 and 5×5 formats in a tournament that doubles as a qualifier for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships in Ottawa, Canada.
Speaking upon the team’s arrival at the José Armando Sayovo Paralympic Sports Complex, KWBF President Alfred Simiyu expressed confidence in the squads’ chances of qualification.
“We recently had a team that won silver at the Africa Women’s U-25 Championships in DR Congo, and five of those players are here to strengthen the senior side. For the men, we’ve blended youth with experience,” said Simiyu.
High-Stakes Continental Showdown
Kenya is among 20 national teams competing in the championship, which serves as Africa’s official qualification pathway to the 2026 World Championships in Ottawa.
The 5×5 competition, set for March 27 to April 4, will see winners secure direct qualification, while second-place teams advance to a repechage tournament for another shot at the global event.
Meanwhile, the 3×3 tournament tips off on March 24, with top teams earning direct slots to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Squad Breakdown
Women’s 5×5 Team
The women’s squad has been boosted by five standout players from the U-25 team that won silver in Kinshasa:
- Christine Mutheu
- Diana Wabwire
- Michelle Yegon
- Mary Atieno
- Ashley Autai
They join experienced players including Caroline Wanjira, Phyllis Warioko, Stella Tiyoy, Beth Wanja, Eunice Otieno, and Merceline Anjejo.
The team is coached by Sarah Libese, assisted by Caroline Adhiambo.
Women’s 3×3 Team
- Caroline Wanjira
- Phyllis Warioko
- Stella Tiyoy
- Michelle Yegon
Coaches: Caroline Adhiambo and Charles Otieno
Men’s 3×3 Team
- Ian Kanji (Captain)
- Milton Ilahuya
- Itaken Timoi
- Robert Kimotho
Coach: Charles Ogolla
Men’s 5×5 Team
The quartet above is part of a larger squad that includes:
- Evans Otieno
- Haman Odido
- James Karanja
- Kelvin Ngugi
- Supeiyo Koila
- Elvis Jowi
- Simon Ngugi
- Dennis Ndung’u
Coaches: Nicholas Ngumbi (Head Coach) and Maurice Ouma (Assistant)
Leadership Roles
- Ian Kanji captains the men’s 5×5 team
- Itaken Timoi leads the men’s 3×3 side
- Beth Wanja (5×5) and Caroline Wanjira (3×3) captain the women’s teams
Eyes on Qualification
With a mix of emerging talent and seasoned players, Kenya heads into the championships aiming to secure continental glory and global qualification slots.
The tournament not only offers a pathway to world competition but also provides a platform for Kenya to assert its growing strength in wheelchair basketball on the African stage.
