Egyptian giants Al Ahly were crowned champions of the 2026 Women’s African Volleyball Club Championship after defeating Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) in the final, but it was Kenya’s strong collective showing that stole the spotlight in Cairo.
The tournament, held in Cairo from April 11–24, saw Kenyan clubs dominate the upper ranks, with three teams finishing in the top six and sweeping multiple individual awards in a statement performance for the country’s women’s volleyball.
Kenya Shines despite KCB falling short in final
Kenya Commercial Bank, popularly known as the Lionesses, entered the final unbeaten and full of confidence after an impressive run under head coach Japheth Munala.
However, they were outclassed in the final by Al Ahly, who secured a 3-1 victory with set scores of 25-22, 15-25, 20-25, and 16-25.
Despite the loss, KCB’s journey to the final was commendable. They topped Pool D, defeated Cameroon’s Mayo Kani Evolution in the quarterfinals, and overcame fellow Kenyan side Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) 3-1 in an all-Kenyan semifinal clash.
Kenya Pipeline secure bronze
Kenya Pipeline Company continued their consistency on the continental stage, clinching bronze for the third consecutive year.
The Oilers beat Tunisia’s Club Féminin de Carthage 3-1 in the third-place playoff, with set scores of 25-17, 17-25, 26-24, and 25-21.
Pipeline had earlier topped Pool A and advanced past the quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory over fellow Kenyan side Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Impressive debut for DCI
DCI, making their continental debut, delivered a strong performance to finish sixth overall.
The Kenyan side reached the quarterfinals and even managed to take a set off Pipeline, underlining their growing competitiveness. Their top-six finish highlights the increasing depth in Kenyan women’s volleyball.
Kenyan players dominate individual awards
Kenyan players also dominated the individual awards, further emphasizing the country’s strength in the sport.
Among the standout performers:
- Namutira Juliana (KCB) was named among the best outside hitters
- Tata Jerry Makyn (KCB) earned recognition as a top opposite hitter
- Cherono Sharon (KCB) also impressed in the opposite role
- Sokoyo Elizabeth Marian (Kenya Pipeline) was named among the best middle blockers
Final standings highlight Kenyan strength
The final rankings reflected Kenya’s dominance:
- 2nd: Kenya Commercial Bank
- 3rd: Kenya Pipeline Company
- 6th: Directorate of Criminal Investigations
Champions Al Ahly finished top, with Tunisia’s Club Féminin de Carthage placing fourth.
Kenya’s growing continental power
Kenya’s performance in Cairo reinforces its position as a powerhouse in African women’s volleyball. With multiple clubs consistently reaching the latter stages of continental competitions, the country continues to showcase depth, talent, and tactical discipline.
The strong showing also signals a bright future, particularly with emerging teams like DCI stepping up alongside established giants such as KCB and Pipeline.
From Nairobi to Cairo, Kenyan teams once again proved they belong at the top of African volleyball — and with their current trajectory, a return to the summit may only be a matter of time.
Final ranking
