Kenya’s women’s volleyball team, the Malkia Strikers, arrive in Thailand for the World Championships today. But hope for victory is clouded by financial uncertainty.
Despite a promise from the Sports Ministry that allowances would be paid before departure, the players say they have not seen a single shilling. They worry for their families, for their focus.
One player spoke of early setbacks: while still in training at home, the team was “briefly locked out of camp” because they could not raise funds. A squad of 20 was reduced to 16. Only with sponsor backing did training resume. “We were told there was no money to get us to camp. Eventually, sponsors intervened,” the team said.
Before leaving, the players met with Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya. They had hoped to voice their concerns, but say their coach prevented them from speaking freely. “We were promised our allowances before travel. But it never happened. We were told to wait for the Ministry,” one player said.
They spoke frankly about the strain. “It’s hard to give your best on court when your mind is back home worrying if your children have food or if your landlord will lock the door,” they said.
In Nairobi, Senator Edwin Sifuna added pressure. He rebuked CS Mvurya in a public statement for failing to deliver on a Senate pledge that Ksh 70 million would settle outstanding allowances. “He was here over a month ago, claiming the money was secured. Yet nothing has been paid, even after photo-ops and a dummy cheque three months ago,” Sifuna said.
The Malkia Strikers have long lifted Kenya’s spirits, with a legacy of African titles and rare global appearances. Yet as they prepare to face Germany in their opening match on 23 August, their performance may be overshadowed by this unresolved promise.
President William Ruto has recently shown strong interest in sports, offering substantial rewards to the national men’s football team competing in the African Nations Championship. But the Strikers ask: why are their needs overlooked?
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