Aquatics Kenya has submitted a bid to host the inaugural Africa Aquatics Masters Meet and the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Swimming Championships.
Should the county succeed, the two events could be hosted in Machakos, where a building is being built.
Construction of the pool is already in motion, with site preparations underway.
The facility is designed to include top-tier features such as a warm-up pool, touchpads, System 7 timing technology, and a digital scoreboard—essentials for any venue aspiring to host world-class competitions.
The expansive facility is also geared towards supporting a broader range of sports, making it a hub for diverse athletic activities.
Aquatics Kenya secretary general Collins Marigiri said the facility marks a significant leap forward in sport and youth empowerment.
"I am delighted to see Machakos County prioritising aquatic sports and youth development. As a federation, we are committed to collaborating with the county government to ensure this facility meets all World Aquatics standards. This will position it as a premier venue for hosting sanctioned national and international meets," Marigiri stated.
An Olympic-size indoor pool in Machakos represents more than just an infrastructural milestone.
"It symbolises the county's bold ambition to transform into a sporting powerhouse. As the first of its kind in the region, this pool is poised to become a flagship facility, attracting both local and international attention while raising the standards of aquatics sports across Kenya," said Marigiri.
Chairperson of Machakos Aquatics, Peter Mwangangi, emphasised the broader vision behind the facility, citing the growing importance of swimming within Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
"Swimming is now a compulsory subject in CBC, which makes it crucial for counties to invest in standardised pools. This facility will set the pace, inspiring others to follow and provide students with the necessary resources to excel in aquatics," he commented.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti termed it a victory not only for Machakos but also for the country in making swimming accessible and competitive at all levels.
She called on county governments to prioritise sports development to create opportunities for the youth and place Kenya on the global sporting map.
