The Mountain Journal

Kenya will host this year’s Water Rafting World Cup Series between July 9 and July 12.

At least 1, 500 participants from 40 countries are expected to participate in the international tournament to be hosted at River Sagana, along the Kirinyaga and Murang’a border.

The World Cup Series will be running concurrently with the Africa Championship, in which 18 African countries have registered to participate.

Secretary General of the Kenya Rafting Federation, William Kinuthia, said Kenya won the bid to host part of the World Cup series and that preparations are underway for what he described as one of the largest sporting events to be held in the country.

“Kenya will be hosting the tournament for a second time this year after it hosted the Africa Rafting Championship,” said Kinuthia. 

He added that the event will take place along the River Sagana, which has been listed as having the best rafting courses globally.

Besides promoting sports tourism, the event will add value to the local economy and facilitate the transfer of skills to the local teams, as renowned teams will be taking part.

The World Cup series will be held in April in France, then Italy, Kenya, and the final leg will be in Brazil later in the year, Kinuthia added.

Kenyan team manager Sammy Kanyuira said the Kenyan team is well prepared for the competition, having represented the African continent in water rafting championships last year.

“We need more participants, and I am urging the youth to join us. We offer free training to those interested in the sport,” Kanyuira said.