Kenya Makes History as the World Rafting Championships Begin at Sagana River

 

World Rafting President  Danilo Barmaz and Kenya Rafting Federation President arriving for the opening ceremony

By Kinana Munene – Travel Tuesdays

Sagana 8/07/2026

The roar of the river, the excitement of athletes, and the spirit of adventure filled the air as Kenya officially opened the 2026 World Rafting Championships at Rapids Camp, bringing the world’s top rafting talent to the heart of East Africa.

For many Kenyans, white-water rafting remains a relatively new sport. However, as the championship flags went up along the scenic waters of the Sagana River, the country witnessed a defining moment — a chance to introduce millions to a sport that combines adrenaline, teamwork, nature, and international competition.

The opening ceremony brought together global rafting leaders, athletes, county representatives, security teams, and the media to celebrate Kenya’s emergence as a destination capable of hosting world-class sporting events.

World Rafting President  Danilo Barmaz dancing to some mwomboko (traditional Kikuyu folk songs)

Addressing athletes and guests, World Rafting President Danilo Barmaz delivered a message that went beyond competition. He reminded participants that although only one team will lift the championship trophy, everyone taking part is already a winner.

According to Barmaz, sporting events of this magnitude should also strengthen unity, friendship, and the growth of communities. He further emphasized the need to place Africa at the forefront of global sporting opportunities.

“Every athlete here represents courage, determination, and the passion that keeps this sport alive,” was the message that echoed through the opening ceremony.

Procession along the Makutano - Sgana highway on Wednesday evening

         Sagana: Where Adventure Meets Nature

Located along one of Kenya’s most exciting adventure destinations, Sagana has long been known for thrilling outdoor experiences. From rafting and kayaking to camping, hiking, and team-building activities, the region has become a favourite destination for adventure seekers.

The arrival of the World Rafting Championships places Sagana firmly on the global tourism map, showcasing Kenya’s ability to blend sport, conservation, and travel experiences.

Representing the Kirinyaga County Government, CEC Sports Kepha Kariuki welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of hosting an event that promotes the county as a destination for sports tourism.

Mrs Macharia, CEC Tourism, represented Murang'a County, further demonstrating the regional collaboration behind the championship through the shared river resource.

Kenya Rafting Federation President June Muthoni Kariuki (center) during the opening ceremony

       Kenya Ready to Host the World

Kenya Rafting Federation President June Muthoni Kariuki welcomed guests and called upon all stakeholders, athletes, and supporters to embrace the championship and work together to make it a memorable success.

Her message was clear — the championship is not only about competition but also about building the future of rafting in Kenya and Africa.

African Rafting Council Secretary General Salim Fari praised Kenya’s preparation, noting that the country had demonstrated commitment and professionalism in hosting the global event.

Meanwhile, Shaukat Shikand recognized the dedication of the many individuals working behind the scenes, from organizers and volunteers to technical teams, whose efforts have brought the championship to life.

Africa Rafting President El Mamoun Belabbass also applauded the media for its contribution in creating awareness and promoting the growth of rafting across the continent.

Africa Rafting President El Mamoun Belabbass with Indian Rafting Federation President Shaukat Shikand 

Beyond Competition: A New Tourism Experience for Kenya

As athletes battle the powerful rapids, Kenya has an opportunity to introduce the world to a different side of its tourism story.

Beyond the famous safaris, beaches, and mountains, adventure tourism is opening a new chapter, one where visitors can experience the thrill of conquering rivers surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

For Kenyans watching from the riverbanks or following online, this championship is an invitation to discover a sport that many have never experienced before.

White-water rafting is not just about navigating rapids. It is about teamwork, resilience, trust, and the unforgettable connection between humans and nature.

As the world turns its eyes to Sagana, Kenya is proving that adventure has a new home.

For Travel Tuesdays, this is Kinana Munene — telling Kenya’s stories, one destination at a time.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bridging Minds and Peace — Reflections from Nairobi’s MHPSS & Peacebuilding Training

Image
integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and Peacebuilding (PB). Travel Tuesdays with Kinana Munene Nairobi, 2nd April 2026. From March 30th to April 2nd, 2026, the serene setting of the Golden Tulip Hotel in Nairobi became a hub of dialogue, learning, and collaboration as stakeholders gathered for a transformative four-day training on the integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and Peacebuilding (PB). The conference brought together a diverse group of participants representing key institutions, including the Nairobi County Health Office, Probation Aftercare Service Partnerships Unit, Rural Women Peace Link, Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation, University of Nairobi, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, and multiple state departments including Gender and Affirmative Action, Children Services, and Correctional Services. Understanding the Nexus At the heart of the training was a shared objective: to deepen unde...
Read more

Kenya Takes Centre Stage as Nairobi Hosts Global Tourism Resilience Conference

Image
The delegation led by Tourism Cs Hon Rebecca Miano, alongside her Jamaican counterpart Hon Edmund Bartlett.  By Kinana Munene Nairobi is once again in the global spotlight as it hosts the 4th Global Tourism Resilience Conference and Expo at the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre from 16th to 18th February 2026. The high-level gathering brings together tourism leaders, innovators, policymakers and investors from across the world to deliberate on the future of tourism resilience under the theme “Tourism Resilience in Action: From Crisis Response to Impactful Transformation.” For Travel Tuesdays, this week’s feature explores how the conference not only strengthens Kenya’s position as a leading travel destination but also highlights the country’s commitment to sustainable and resilient tourism. A Global Event with Local Impact Organised in partnership with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre , the conference underscores the growing importance of...
Read more

Where Adventure Meets Nature

Image
Africa's highest Peak, the beautiful snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro Welcome to Tanzania, a land of breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and unparalleled wildlife experiences. Nestled in East Africa, Tanzania boasts a plethora of tourist attractions that cater to every traveler's taste, from adventurous safaris to serene beaches and cultural encounters. Let's delve into the wonders of this beautiful country, highlighting its key tourist attractions, major transportation channels, border access points, and travel requirements for neighboring countries. Serengeti National Park No visit to Tanzania is complete without experiencing the majestic Serengeti National Park. Famous for its annual wildebeest migration, the park offers unrivaled opportunities for wildlife viewing, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and countless bird species. Visitors can embark on thrilling safari adventures, witnessing nature's drama unfold amidst vast savannahs and acacia-dotted landsca...
Read more