By GPC Sports Correspondent
Kenya has named a 53-athlete team for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, marking its largest-ever delegation to the competition, which will be held in Africa for the first time.
The team was unveiled ahead of the Games, scheduled for October 31 to November 13 in Dakar, Senegal, where approximately 2,700 athletes aged 17 and under from 206 National Olympic Committees are expected to compete.
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Kenya will field the second-largest delegation after hosts Senegal, who will have 139 athletes.
The Kenyan team will compete in 13 disciplines, reflecting efforts to expand the country’s participation beyond its traditional strength in athletics.
Chef de Mission Angela Luchivya said preparations had entered the final phase, with athletes scheduled to begin a residential training camp in Mombasa on Monday before travelling to Senegal.
“From today, 15 days to go, it is all systems go. We are ready, and the journey begins,” said Luchivya.
The athletes have been training under their respective federations while balancing their sporting commitments with education.
Some teams have also attended international training camps to assess their readiness, with support from Olympic Solidarity programmes.
The basketball 3×3 team trained in Senegal from October 6 to 9, while the rugby sevens squad is in Tunisia.
Baseball5 recently returned from a preparatory tournament in Botswana, while the beach wrestling team is scheduled to train in Mauritius before the Games.
Kenya will compete in athletics, rugby sevens, baseball5, basketball 3×3, swimming, road cycling, boxing, fencing, judo, wushu, beach handball, beach wrestling and triathlon.
The delegation comprises 42 female athletes, representing about 79 per cent of the team. Officials said the composition reflected growing opportunities for young women in competitive sport.
Kenya has previously sent a maximum of 18 athletes to the Youth Olympic Games.
“We are hoping to improve our medal tally while using these Games to develop more sports disciplines for the future,” Luchivya said.
Logistical arrangements
Team management has put in place medical support, physiotherapy, mental health assistance and safeguarding officers to support the young competitors throughout the competition.
Chief Executive Officer Kerubo Momanyi said logistical arrangements, including accommodation, transport, competition kits and medical supplies, had been coordinated.
The team is also working with the Kenyan Embassy in Senegal to provide familiar foods and minimise cultural and dietary challenges.
Officials are coordinating with schools and the Ministry of Education to facilitate special examinations for athletes who miss scheduled papers during the Games.
The team will also receive anti-doping education to promote clean sport and fair competition.
The Dakar experience is expected to help identify and nurture emerging talent for future senior international competitions, including the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and the 2032 Games in Brisbane.
