Kenya Volleyball Federation Empowerment Partnership with FIVB officially terminated
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 26.04.24. | 08:23
KVF has received backlash from stakeholders who argue the decision was based on selfish interests and not the greater good of the sport in Kenya
The Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) have ended their empowerment partnership with the global governing body FIVB.
“The FIVB, respecting the decision of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) leadership, has agreed not to continue with the targeted support Volleyball Empowerment investment for the six-member coaching team of the Kenya women’s national team,” a statement from the global federation reads.
KVF, then under the stewardship of the late Waithaka Kioni, signed a deal in 2020, as Malkia Strikers were preparing for the Tokyo Olympics, which was a targeted support system to help improve performance and change the global perception of African volleyball.
Six Brazilian coaches, headed by Luizomar de Moura alongside coach Paul Bitok guided Malkia Strikers during the Summer Games, 2022 World Championships and in last year’s Challenger Cup and Africa Nations Championship in Cameroon. Their partnership was up for renewal in May 2024.
However, KVF had demanded for equal representation heading to the Paris Olympics where Malkia Strikers will feature at the Games for the second time in a row.
“One of the fundamental principles of the Volleyball Empowerment programme is to help National Federations achieve independence and self-sustainability. The FIVB therefore commends the KVF’s intention and resolve to grow its technical capacity and exposure with the aim of becoming self-sustainable.
The KVF has acknowledged the pivotal role the FIVB has played in supporting the development and growth of volleyball within Kenya, stating its appreciation for the resources, guidance, and opportunities provided through the programme.
The FIVB has supported Kenya’s women’s national team through the Volleyball Empowerment programme since their preparations for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. A total investment of nearly CHF 600,000 (Appx Ksh 89 million) was provided to the national team, who were trained by elite Brazilian coaches, including Head Coach Luizomar de Moura.
The programme has resulted in significant achievements for the team, including strong performances at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and the FIVB Volleyball World Championship 2022. Recently, the team was also crowned African Nations Champions for the first time since 2015.
The FIVB is delighted that the investment has elevated the team to new heights and allowed the National Federation to grow and foster new talent. The FIVB remains supportive of the National Federation’s development goals and will continue to offer assistance and work collaboratively with the KVF to develop the sport of volleyball and inspire a new generation of players and fans.
The FIVB wishes the Malkia Strikers every success and looks forward to witnessing the National Federation’s continued growth,” the statement reads in full.
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