30th September, 2024, Nairobi, Kenya
Kenyan volleyball, once and still a powerhouse in the region, is now facing a troubling decline. The Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) recently released the 2024/2025 calendar, revealing that almost 80% of top-tier matches will be played outdoors. This decision raises serious concerns about the future of the sport in Kenya, especially when compared to neighbouring countries like Rwanda, which are embracing modern technology and indoor facilities.
In 2024, volleyball is recognized globally as an indoor sport. Professional leagues worldwide have moved towards technological advancements to ensure the accuracy and quality of matches. Yet, Kenyan volleyball seems to be stuck in the past, relying heavily on outdoor venues. This not only limits the players’ development but also diminishes the overall experience of the sport.
Gone are the days when Kasarani Indoor Arena was the pride of East African volleyball. Kasarani used to host numerous international competitions, attracting fans from across the continent and providing Kenyan players with a world-class platform. Fast forward to 2024, the once iconic venue has lost its shine. Instead of capitalizing on this legacy, Kenya is retreating to outdoor arenas, a move that feels like a step back in time.
The shift towards outdoor volleyball is a stark contrast to the progress being made by Rwanda. The Rwandan Volleyball Federation recently made headlines by acquiring the Volleyball Challenge System, becoming the first African country to adopt this technology that assists match officials in making accurate decisions. Rwanda’s proactive approach to developing volleyball is a sharp reminder of how far Kenya has fallen behind.
The impact of these outdoor matches on Kenyan players cannot be overstated. While most professional volleyball leagues around the world are held indoors, Kenya’s insistence on outdoor matches introduces unnecessary challenges like unpredictable weather conditions, uneven playing surfaces, and poor lighting. These factors not only affect the quality of the game but also hinder the players’ ability to compete at an international level, where the environment is vastly different.
The real question is: what value do these outdoor league matches add to the players? And how long will Kenya continue to subject its volleyball talent to outdated practices?
This situation has reached a point where drastic change is necessary. The KVF must recognize that playing top-tier matches outdoors is not a sustainable model for the growth of the sport. It is time for Kenya to follow the example of countries like Rwanda, which are making significant strides in modernizing their volleyball infrastructure.
Kenya is at a crossroads, and the future of volleyball in the country hangs in the balance. The consequences of continuing on this path could be devastating for the sport, which once brought pride and joy to the nation. The second part of this article will explore the steps Kenya must take to reclaim its volleyball glory and why embracing indoor volleyball is the only way forward.
