Sports PS Mwangi promises support as Sagana hosts continental event
Sports
By
Jane W Mugambi
| Jul 17, 2025
The Ministry of Sports has pledged support as Kenya prepares to host a continental rafting competition that begins in Sagana today.
Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi said the government would support the first African water rafting event, which is being held in Murang’a County along the Sagana River.
Mwangi said the unique sport has attracted participants from 11 African countries. These include South Sudan, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Congo, Tanzania, Somalia, Nigeria, and Morocco.
The competition starts today and runs until Sunday. Trials for the event were held on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“As the Ministry of Sports, we are committed to supporting all upcoming sports, whether local or international. This is a way to create, encourage and showcase talent,” Mwangi said.
READ MORE
Jaguar Land Rover to cut 500 jobs as Trump tariffs bite
Australian coffee chain to invest Sh1.3b as it enters Kenya
KRA beats customs revenue target with Sh3b daily collection
Mbadi defends fuel levy securitisation amid tax criticism
Mombasa port hit by worst empty containers pile up as ships delay
How Donald Trump's remittance tax is threatening property investments in Kenya
Poor air quality silently killing thousands in Africa
How higher oil marketers' margins adds to the pain of higher fuel prices
How developers can leverage the AfCFTA trade deal
New guidelines to steer State's records digitisation initiative
During the first day of trials on Tuesday, Uganda took the lead after clocking 29.23, followed by Kenya (29.42), with Burundi third in 31.16 in the 4.1-kilometre downstream category.
Mamoun Belabbas, Chair of the African Rafting Council, said Kenya has an opportunity to utilise its natural rivers, encouraging rafters from other countries to seize the chance.
“Kenya has a natural resource that should be used for sports. I encourage other rafters to take part, grab the opportunity, and experience it,” said Belabbas.