Kenya to host African Judo Championships in April
By Joel Masibo, April 14, 2026Kenya is set to take center stage in African combat sports as the country prepares to host the African Judo Championships from Thursday, April 23 to Sunday, April 26, 2026.
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) confirmed this through a statement on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
“Kenya is set to host the African Judo Championships from 23rd to 26th , a premier continental showdown bringing together the very best of the sport,” NOCK’s statement read in part.
The prestigious event will bring together elite judokas from across the continent, marking a major milestone for the growth of Judo in the region, with a total of 32 nations expected to participate.
Action comes to Kenya
With Africa’s top competitors converging on Kenyan soil, the championships promise high-intensity bouts and world-class performances as athletes battle for continental supremacy. The tournament is not only a platform for crowning champions but also an opportunity for judokas to earn valuable ranking points and gain international exposure.
Hosting the event further cements Kenya’s reputation as an emerging hub for major sporting events, underlining the country’s growing investment in diverse disciplines beyond traditional athletics and football. For local fans, it presents a rare chance to witness elite-level judo action up close and support homegrown talent competing against the continent’s best.
African Judo Championships is a continental judo championship organised by the African Judo Union.
Kip Keino Classic
Meanwhile, as the 2026 African Judo Championships come to Nairobi, the city will also be staging the 2026 Kip Keino Classic with big names, fast times and electric moments expected at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Ahead of the Kip Keino, Meet Director and NOCK First Vice President Barnaba Korir, on Monday, April 13, 2026, unveiled a strong elite lineup set to compete at the 7th edition of the competition, scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026.
The event will feature a deep and competitive field, including triple Olympic champion Gabby Thomas and Kipkeino 100m defending champion McCoy Maia, among other global stars. With top-tier talent confirmed, from Team Kenya and globally, fans can expect thrilling performances and world-class competition.
In readiness, Athletics Kenya has confirmed that Nyayo National Stadium is fully ready to host the event, after tests showed the venue meets acceptable air-quality standards.
This positive outcome shared by Athletics Kenya on Sunday, April 5, 2026, is expected to support athletes in delivering strong performances on race day.