Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Chef de Mission Angela Luchivya has challenged Kenya's 54-athlete delegation to turn its preparations into results when the Games are held in Senegal from October 31 to November 13. The team will compete across 13 disciplines, drawn from wushu, judo, beach wrestling, triathlon, swimming, women's rugby, beach handball, baseball, boxing, basketball, baseball5, rugby Sevens and athletics.
"We are now moving into the most important part of the programme. The athletes have had exposure, but we must ensure they understand what awaits them in Dakar and how to respond under pressure," Luchivya said. She added that preparation goes beyond physical training and includes the ability to adapt to a new environment.
The recently concluded Zone Five Youth Games in Nairobi offered a test run. Kenya topped the judo standings with five gold, three silver and one bronze, while its swimmers collected 12 medals. Bramwel Chasala won the 200m and Wilson Chepkwech took the 1,500m. Luchivya said the results should build confidence without adding to it.
Dakar 2026 will feature about 2,700 athletes across 25 sports and will be the first Olympic or Youth Olympic Games staged on African soil. The Olympic flame was lit at Athens' Panathenaic Stadium on September 10 before beginning its journey to Senegal.
