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Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship: Mvurya hails Malkia Strikers despite payment row
05th September, 2026 07:14 AM
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has encouraged the Malkia Strikers to keep their heads high after Kenya finished second at the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship, despite the final being overshowed by a late payment row involving the team.
The Kenyan women’s volleyball team settled for silver, failing to defend their title after falling to Egypt in the final at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Friday, September 4, 2026, with the North Africans securing a straight-sets victory, 25-22, 25-15, 25-15. Despite missing out on gold, Malkia Strikers’ impressive run to the final gave the country plenty to celebrate.
“To our queens: HOLD YOUR HEADS HIGH. You gave your all, carried our flag with pride and reminded us of the fighting spirit that defines Kenyan sport. Every great team experiences difficult moments, but champions rise, regroup and return stronger.” Mvurya said.
After having booked their place at the 2027 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup in USA and Canada, Mvurya congratulated the players for their efforts and assured them of the country’s continued support as they look to build on their continental campaign. He also congratulated Egypt for winning the championship while praising the Malkia Strikers for bringing home the silver medal, missing out on the coveted ticket to the 2028 Olympic Games in Las Vegas.
Payment row
Sadly, Malkia Strikers were forced to deal with a payment dispute in the build-up to the particular final, with the row over unpaid allowances threatening to overshadow the team’s preparations for the crucial encounter.
The players and technical staff were reportedly owed about Ksh8.9 million in daily allowances after entering residential camp on July 26, 2026. The outstanding payments became a major concern for the team, with the players reportedly demanding that their dues be cleared before taking part in the championship decider at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
Under the agreed rates, each of the 14 players in camp was entitled to a daily allowance of $200 (approximately Ksh25,880), while the five officials were due $300 (about Ksh38,820) per day. The prolonged delay reportedly left the team frustrated as it prepared for one of the biggest matches of the continental tournament.
The dispute had already resulted in an earlier go-slow, after which the players received part-payments of Ksh100,000 each from sponsor, a local gaming firm and Ksh50,000 each from the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K). However, the payments did not fully resolve the outstanding allowances, leaving the issue hanging over the team heading into the final.
