Kenya’s women’s volleyball giants, the Malkia Strikers, are entering a new chapter. The Kenya Volleyball Federation has unveiled a refreshed and youthful provisional squad for the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship, marking the beginning of their preparations ahead of the global showpiece set for August 22 to September 7.
Drawn into Pool G, Kenya faces a stern test against volleyball powerhouses Poland and Germany, along with emerging contenders Vietnam. But if the squad announcement is any indication, the Malkia Strikers are gearing up with confidence and a bold new direction.
Notably absent from the roster are seasoned names like former captain Mercy Moim, Trizah Atuka, and Edith Mukuvilani—veterans whose presence once anchored the national side. Their omission signals a generational shift, with selectors opting to reward standout talent from the recently concluded national league season.
Kenya Pipeline Club, the newly crowned national champions, dominate the squad list, a testament to their stellar form. Leading the pack is league MVP Daisy Leting, who heads a strong KPC contingent that includes Emmaculate Nekesa (Best Setter), Gladys Ekaru (Best Middle Blocker), Loice Simiyu (Best Opposite), Celestine Nyongesa, Mariam Musa, Lydia Emokol, and Elizabeth Sokoiyo. Ekaru, known for her court dominance, will also don the captain’s armband.
DCI’s Sarah Namisi and Sharon Jeruto also make the cut, earning their spots with electric performances that saw them named Best Server and Best Outside Hitter respectively.
The technical bench is also seeing a reshuffle. Geoffrey Omondi, who led Kenya Pipeline to league glory and a bronze medal finish at the 2024 Africa Club Championships, takes over as head coach of the national team for the first time. He will be assisted by David Muthui and Esther Jepkosgei.
Former Malkia Strikers head coach Paul Bitok returns, not to the touchline but in a strategic oversight role as Head of Delegation. Team logistics will be managed by John Oronje, while Sarah Karongo joins the backroom staff as physiotherapist.
This World Championship campaign comes after a tough outing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the Malkia Strikers failed to progress past the group stage. The current overhaul seems aimed at rebuilding momentum and injecting fresh energy into the team.
With youth, form, and renewed ambition driving their preparations, the Malkia Strikers are setting their sights on making a bold statement on the world stage.
