Paul Bitok predicts fierce battle as KVF National League finals take center stage
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Reading Time: 4min | Fri. 17.07.26. | 15:00
Regardless of who emerges victorious, both KPA and Chema have already sealed qualification for the 2027 African Clubs Championship after finishing among the league's top two teams
Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Vice Chairman Paul Bitok expects an intense battle when the 2025-2026 KVF National League Finals get underway this weekend.
The former KCB tactician noted that the season's numerous upsets have set the stage for one of the most competitive championship deciders in recent years.
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The three-day finals, scheduled for this weekend at the Kasarani Indoor Arena, will crown the men's and women's national champions, with Kenya's top clubs battling in best-of-three title series.
Bitok believes the unpredictable nature of the season has made it difficult to call outright favorites, pointing to the elimination of traditional powerhouses and the emergence of new contenders.
"The 2025/26 National League has been very competitive. We started last year in November, and now we are ending this weekend. We had 16 teams for the men, and then we had the second round with 16 teams. We played knockout, and afterwards we went to Mombasa for the quarterfinals," he told Mozzart Sport.
The federation introduced a best-of-three format for the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, a move Bitok says has raised the level of competition while rewarding consistency.
"For the quarterfinals, semis, and finals, we are playing best-of-three series. Last weekend, we had the elimination stage, where we saw big teams being knocked out. The defending champions, GSU and silver medalists KCB, were knocked out by Prisons,” he offered.
The women's final renews one of Kenyan volleyball's fiercest rivalries as defending champions Kenya Pipeline take on Kenya Prisons.
Pipeline booked their place in the final after sweeping DCI 3-0 in the semifinals, while Prisons survived a dramatic three-match series against KCB Bank, winning the decisive third encounter 3-2.
The clash also marks a shift in the country's volleyball hierarchy.
"Last year, we had number one Kenya Pipeline, number two DCI, and number three KCB. This year, it is going to change because the only team that has finished in the top three is Kenya Pipeline. We will have new representatives next year; Prisons who will represent Kenya, alongside reigning champions Pipeline," Bitok explained.
Before the championship match, KCB and DCI will battle for third place, with the winner earning the final continental qualification slot.
The men's competition has arguably produced the biggest story of the season through Chema VC.
The newcomers have enjoyed a dream debut campaign, having earned promotion from Division Two only last season. They stunned former champions Kenya Prisons in the semifinals to reach the final.
"On the men's side, Chema have qualified for the final. They came from the second division this year, and they have already qualified for the finals. We have KPA also playing the final. Then, in the ranking match, we have Kenya Prisons playing KDF. They are going to fight for third position so that they can qualify for the African Club Championship," Bitok said.
Standing between Chema and a remarkable first league title are Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), one of the country's most consistent teams in recent seasons.
The Dockers, runners-up last season, secured their place in the final after defeating Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) 3-1 in the semifinal series and will be looking to finally convert another title opportunity into championship glory.
Regardless of who emerges victorious, both KPA and Chema have already sealed qualification for the 2027 African Clubs Championship after finishing among the league's top two teams.
The men's bronze-medal playoff will see KDF face Kenya Prisons, with the winner securing the remaining continental qualification spot.
Bitok also credited the federation's decision to stage all league matches indoors, saying it has transformed the competition and attracted greater commercial support.
"It has been very competitive. That is why there have been big upsets, with the traditional big teams falling and other teams coming up,” he said.
He added that the federation's organizational changes have also boosted confidence among partners.
"As KVF, we have managed to change our style of play and organise the competition better. All of our matches were played indoors, which has attracted so many sponsors for next season. This year, KCB came in and paid for all the venues we have been using throughout the season,” he concluded.