•Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi is expected to grace the event.
•Kahindo said so far swimmers from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Mauritius and Burundi have confirmed participation in the two-day extravaganza
Image: HANDOUT
The national short course gala slated for May 18-19 at Mpesa Academy in Thika will act as a qualifier for the World Aquatics Swimming Championship in Budapest in December
Kenya Aquatics Executive Committee member, Heize Kahindo, said he expects a competitive championship considering there will be a lot at stake as far as qualification to the world event is concerned.
“It's going to be an exciting event and we are asking as many swimmers as possible to turn up for the event.
He said they were keen to select the team early and start intensive preparation for the event.
The swimmers selected will at the bare minimum of four to five months train and prepare for the world event and to be in the best possible shape.
Kahindo said so far swimmers from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Mauritius and Burundi have confirmed participation in the two-day swimming extravaganza.
"Having the swimmers from our neighbouring countries will spice up proceedings and ensure our swimmers are up to the challenge,” added Kahindo.
"For those seeking to participate in the event, you must be over 10 years of age and must have participated in the qualifying events like the Mount Kenya Bloc Championship in Nyahururu in March or the Aberdare Aquatic Gala among other events sanctioned by the national or county aquatics association."
Top clubs that have confirmed participation in the two-day event include Seahorses, Supermarlins, Braeburn, Kisumu Aquatics, Torpedo (Eldoret), Bandari, Mombasa Aquatics, Blue Oceans and Torpedo Kampala.
Nova Pioneer, St. Christopher's School, Riara, School of the Nations and Potterhouse School are among the institutional teams enlisted.
The event will mark the first national meet in Kiambu County and the larger Mt. Kenya Region since Kenya's independence.
To ensure the highest standard and quality, the championship will enforce competitive qualifying times as per World Aquatics rules.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi is expected to grace the event.
He will use the platform to highlight the government’s dedication to monetising sports through initiatives like Talanta Hela.