The lanes at Regis Runda Academy came alive with speed, strength, and ambition as swimmers made waves during the Kiambu Aquatics Invitational Gala, held on May 10th and 11th, 2025. With over 300 athletes representing 18 schools and clubs, the weekend unfolded into a swimming spectacle filled with record-breaking moments, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable victories.
🥇 Umoja Sharks: A Force in the Pool
In the girls’ division, Umoja Sharks Swim Club delivered a commanding performance. Their athletes moved with remarkable discipline and power, earning 42 medals — including 20 gold, 13 silver, and 9 bronze — to top the girls’ category. Braeburn Swimming Club followed closely with 24 medals, while Orca Swim Club secured third place with 17.
Umoja Sharks didn’t stop there. They extended their dominance to the combined team category, finishing first overall with 73 medals — comprising 34 gold, 25 silver, and 14 bronze. Although Orca Swim Club racked up 76 medals, their 33 golds fell just one short of matching Umoja’s top spot in gold medal count.
🏊 Orca’s Golden Boys Make Their Mark
In the boys’ division, it was Orca Swim Club that ruled the waters. Their swimmers raced to an impressive 57 medals, including 27 gold, 23 silver, and 7 bronze — securing their place as the top-performing boys’ team. Close on their heels were Aga Khan Academy Nairobi with 36 medals and Umoja Sharks with 27.
🌟 Rising Stars Shine Bright
The gala was more than a competition — it was a launchpad for rising stars. Among the standout performers was 13-year-old Stephanie Wambui from Orca, who dazzled the crowd with a gold-winning time of 1:17.45 in the 100-meter freestyle.
“I owe it to Coach Sila. He kept me focused throughout,” Stephanie shared, proudly wearing her medal.
Also making waves was 10-year-old Maxwell Kamau of Woodcreek School, whose determined swim in the boys’ 100-meter freestyle ended with a triumphant time of 1:43.82. “I just gave it everything I had,” said Kamau, who already has his eyes set on the Kenya Aquatics National Championship at Kasarani Aquatic Arena.
🗣️ Voices from the Pool Deck
The event wasn’t just about numbers — it was about momentum, energy, and dreams in motion.
“Our first ever county-level gala, and I can already see how much potential these kids have,” said Adrian Akath, coach at Kigwa Ridge. “They’re hungry for more.”
KCAA Honorary Secretary Douglas Okatso echoed the excitement:
“This gala proved that the appetite for competitive swimming in Kiambu is growing fast. We now call on the county government and corporate sponsors to invest in this talent.
🔥Celebrity Highlight
One of the most heartwarming highlights of the event came from a familiar face in Kenyan entertainment. Actress Jackie Matubia’s daughter made waves in the pool, proudly representing her team with determination and grace. The crowd roared with encouragement, and many fans were thrilled to spot Jackie cheering from the sidelines.
🎥 Watch the Reel Featuring Jackie Matubia’s Daughter in Action:
👉 Click to Watch
The viral moment added a touch of celebrity sparkle to an already vibrant weekend, reminding everyone that the love for swimming crosses all walks of life — from fans to stars to the next generation of champions.
🔜 What’s Next? Kiambu Sprints & Relays Swimming Gala
As the cheers fade, attention now shifts to the next major event on the calendar: the Kiambu Sprints and Relays Gala, set for May 24th–25th, 2025, once again at Regis Runda Academy. If the Invitational Gala was anything to go by, the next showdown promises to be even more explosive.
