Kenya inches closer to hosting continental netball championships

Kenya has taken a significant step towards hosting the upcoming Africa Men’s and Women’s Netball Cup from September 19th – 26th, 2026, after the Confederation of African Netball Associations (CANA) expressed satisfaction with the country's proposed venues and level of preparedness.

The tournament will involve twelve men and women teams

The tournament will also serve as the qualifier for the 17th Netball World Cup scheduled to take place in Sydney, Australia, from August 25 to September 5, 2027.

Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, England, South Africa, and Uganda have already qualified and secured their spots; the remaining 10 teams will qualify through regional events.

A CANA inspection team concluded a multi-day assessment of key facilities in Nairobi, including the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and the Moi International Sports Centre Indoor Arena, Kasarani, which have been earmarked to host the continental championship.

Speaking after the inspection, Rebekka Goagoses of Africa Netball (Netball Africa) praised Kenya's infrastructure and organisational plans, saying the country has demonstrated its ability to stage a successful international netball tournament.

“Infrastructure development has always been my soft spot having been a former player. The infrastructure in Kenya is overwhelming because we have so much to choose from, and it is very assuring which makes me feel comfortable that Kenya is ready to host. We will have a spectacular event and all countries will come and witness the goodness.” Said Rebekka Goagoses, Acting President of Africa Netball (Netball Africa).

The delegation also inspected training venues, accommodation facilities, transport arrangements and medical services as part of the official bidding process. World Netball Representative Joan Smith thanked NOC-K for its support.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming support from the Kenya National Olympic Committee and Kenya Sports Council and it's not just for Kenyan but for African and world netball.” Added World Netball Representative Joan Smith.

Netball Kenya officials led by president Immaculate Kabutha welcomed the positive assessment, noting that hosting the championship would provide a major boost to the sport's development in the country while giving the national team valuable home support against Africa's top sides.

“We went to Ulinzi Complex and the director assured us that it will be ready to host our men’s team. It will have a world-class wooden sprung floor donated by World Netball in conjunction with South African Netball following the conclusion of the 2023 Netball World Cup in South Africa,”Immaculate Kabutha, President of the Kenya Netball Federation (KNF), said.

The tournament is expected to attract leading netball nations from across the continent, offering Kenya an opportunity to showcase its growing reputation as a destination for major sporting events.