Swimming stakeholders in Kenya have called on President William Ruto to replicate the support and motivation he is currently extending to the Harambee Stars, ahead of the ongoing CHAN 2024.

Kenya Aquatics Second Vice President Hillary Leboy praised the President’s initiative, noting that it has inspired young athletes across the country to work harder in their respective sports.

“The synergy between football and swimming may not be obvious at first glance, but both share the same heartbeat, discipline, teamwork, and the ability to unite a nation in pride. We are not just asking for money but for recognition, for the same belief he has in football to be extended to us,” Leboy said.

Stakeholders emphasized that the upcoming Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Swimming Championships, scheduled for October at Nairobi’s Kasarani Aquatic Stadium, presents an opportunity to market Kenya as both a sporting and tourism hub. More than 20 nations are expected to compete in the tournament.

“This generation is different; they swim with conviction, purpose, and national pride. Kenya now knows that swimming is not just a sport, it’s a possibility. If the President can give footballers a reason to fight harder, he can do the same for our swimmers. Imagine the boost it would give a young athlete training in a county without a proper pool,” Leboy added.

Preparations for the championships are already underway. Over 200 swimming coaches from across Africa have gathered at Crawford International School for the ASCA Coaching Certification Clinic, led by top U.S. tactician Sarah Holman.

Holman will also conduct a high-performance training camp for swimmers at Potterhouse School in Runda.

“The potential here is untapped,” Holman said. “With the right support, these swimmers could be world-class.” She also promised to initiate swimming exchange programs to nurture Kenya’s raw talent.

As the nation gears up for the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championships, stakeholders hope that presidential recognition and support will elevate swimming to the same national prominence currently enjoyed by football.