History was made at Mpesa Foundation Academy in Thika as the Kiambu Aquatics Level One Swimming Championship marked a new era of competitive swimming in Kenya. Gone are the days of stopwatches and guesswork — the event embraced cutting-edge precision with the world-class System 7 Timing Device, straight from Colorado, USA.
What truly stole the spotlight was not the technology itself, but the brilliance of Kenya’s young talents. The Gen Z squad — Muyah, Shadrack, Collins Leboy, and Kaindi — took on the challenge of mastering the complex timing system. With manuals in hand and a few deft moves, these young pioneers had the device up and running in record time, proving that youthful innovation can match, and even surpass, expensive foreign expertise. Their efforts were guided and supported by Gov. Kioko, Marigiri, Omari, Hillary, Grace, Munene, Nahason, and the entire Kiambu Aquatics Executive team, ensuring a perfect blend of experience and energy.
The message from this championship is clear: Kenyan swimming is stepping into a new era — one defined by precision, professionalism, and unwavering dedication.
Kenya Aquatics Unveils Modern Timing System Ahead of Continental Swimming Showdown
The Mpesa Foundation Academy in Thika was buzzing over the weekend, but not only because of the swimmers slicing through the pool. At the far end of the deck stood a new centerpiece — the Colorado System 7 electronic timing device, officially launched by Kenya Aquatics.
For a sport that has long relied on stopwatches and manual recording, this system marks a turning point. Times now appear instantly and with unmatched precision, giving swimmers and coaches the accuracy often seen only at international competitions.
Speaking after the launch, Kenya Aquatics Secretary General Collins Marigiri expressed satisfaction with the system’s test run:
“We are glad the system is working effectively and perfectly. I laud Kiambu Aquatics for gladly accepting to use their Level One Gala as the system’s test run ahead of the 10th Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Swimming Championship in October at Kasarani. We want to ensure as many youth as possible learn how to operate this system so that we build a strong pool of officials.”
Marigiri congratulated Kiambu Aquatics for investing in their own unit, expected to arrive next week, and was joined by fellow officials — Hillary Leboy, 2nd Vice President; Omar Omari, Technical Director; Grace Alala, Assistant Secretary General; George Munene, Liaison Officer; and Melvin Muya, Administrative Assistant.
The delegation was welcomed by Kiambu Aquatics Governor Gedion Kioko, County Technical Director Nahason Otieno, Assistant Secretary Jacqueline Macharia, Trizah Waithera, and other county officials. Kioko emphasized the importance of collaboration:
“We are glad to partner with the national federation and develop swimming across the country. Technology is the way to go if we want to improve standards. We also laud the County Government of Kiambu for building a state-of-the-art pool at Thika Stadium, which will change the game for swimmers in this area.”
Technical Director Omar Omari added that preparations for the Zone 3 Championship are already underway:
“We are happy to partner with counties and clubs ahead of the event. I am liaising with the Technical Committee of Africa Aquatics Zone 3 and will release the list of officials expected to officiate next week. They will be drawn from affiliated counties but must have experience at national level.”
As swimmers touched the wall during Level One, their times flashed instantly on the scoreboard. Coaches and parents nodded with approval — a small glimpse of what awaits at Kasarani in October, where precision and fairness will set the tone for one of the most important swimming championships in the region.
Looking Ahead: Level Two Championship
On behalf of Kiambu Aquatics, Dr. Douglas Okatso, Hon. Secretary, extends heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders who supported the Level One Championship. Your encouragement created an atmosphere of triumph, helping many swimmers achieve the qualifying standards for Level Two, scheduled for 4th–5th October 2025 at the prestigious Mesa Foundation Academy, home to East and Central Africa’s finest short-course, half-Olympic swimming pool.
The Level Two Championship is not just another event. It is a stage where skill, discipline, and ambition converge — a proving ground for swimmers preparing for the 10th Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Swimming Championship. Open to all qualifying swimmers nationwide and beyond, this competition provides a critical platform to sharpen skills, test readiness, and embody national pride.
Sanctioned by Kenya Aquatics, the event will adhere to the highest professional standards, with every result meticulously timed and recorded using the Colorado System 7 Timing Device. Beyond medals, the championship serves as a gateway to the Kenya Aquatics National Swimming Championship, scheduled for December in Mombasa, ensuring that every participant has the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the national stage.
Already, twenty-five teams have confirmed their participation — a testament to the prestige and importance of the event. Kiambu Aquatics encourages more schools, clubs, and institutions to seize this opportunity and register, ensuring their athletes experience the thrill, discipline, and recognition that come with competing at the highest level.
A New Era in Kenyan Swimming
The Level One Championship has set the bar high, showcasing the perfect blend of technology, youthful brilliance, and mentorship. As Kiambu Aquatics continues to raise the standard of competitive swimming, the message is loud and clear: the days of manual timing are over, and a future of precision and professionalism is here to stay.
Let us unite to support our athletes, celebrate their achievements, and continue building a legacy of excellence in Kenyan swimming.
