Kenya national teams

The men’s and women’s kabaddi teams of Kenya: champions of Africa in 2024 and 2026, third at the 2024 Bangabandhu Cup, and a line of Kenyans in India’s Pro Kabaddi League.

Kenya’s number 11 raids into the Japan defence at the 4th Bangabandhu Cup in Dhaka, 2024.

Honours

2026

Africa Kabaddi Championship · Zanzibar

Kenya retained the continental title, beating Uganda in the final. The score has not been published. Source: The Star via allAfrica, 12 August 2026

Champions
2025

Africa Women Kabaddi Championship · JKUAT, Juja

Uganda took the title. Kenya’s Lavender Awuor was named Best Raider. Source: Africa Kabaddi Union results report, 8 April 2025

Runners-up
2024

Africa Kabaddi Championship · Kasarani Indoor Arena, Nairobi

Kenya beat Uganda 44–23 in the final on home ground. Source: Africa Kabaddi Union final report, 29 June 2024

Champions
2024

4th Bangabandhu Cup · Dhaka, Bangladesh

Four straight wins, then a 55–59 semi-final defeat to Nepal. Source: KKU report

Third place
Year not published

Bangabandhu Cup, editions 1 and 2 · Dhaka, Bangladesh

Runners-up at both of the first two editions, according to KKU. Source: KKU

Silver, twice
Year not published

Eastern Africa Championship

KKU records Kenya as winners of the Eastern Africa Championship; the year has not been published. Source: KKU

Champions
2016

Kabaddi World Cup · India

Kenya beat Japan, the USA and Poland and lost to Thailand and Iran. Source: KKU

Three wins

Dhaka, Bangladesh · Third place

4th Bangabandhu Cup, 26 May – 4 June 2024

Kenya 56–28 Sri Lanka

27 May 2024Man of the match: James Kamweti
Kenya 42–29 Japan

28 May 2024Man of the match: Daniel Odhiambo
Kenya 50–47 Iraq

29 May 2024Man of the match: James Kamweti
Kenya 33–32 Thailand

31 May 2024Man of the match: Samuel Wafula
Kenya 55–59 Nepal

3 Jun 2024Semi-final

Named in KKU’s match reports

Daniel Omondi (captain) · James Kamweti · Samuel Wafula · Rodgers Omondi · Danson Mbori “Ochi” · Ryan Neville · Tobias Kinyua · Joseph Lesinko

Coaches and captain

Martin Maitethia NdegwaHead coach, appointed June 2024 for the Africa Kabaddi Championship
Phelix Odhiambo OpanaCoach; led the women’s team to the African Women’s Championship in Uganda, 2023
Laventer OgutaLed the coaching staff at the 4th Bangabandhu Cup, 2024
Daniel OmondiCaptain, named October 2023

Squads

The squads as KKU last published them, in June 2023. National selection is by performance and attendance at national-team training, so the current squads will differ.

Men

17

Bramuel Nanyendo
33

Daniel Omondi Odhiambo

All rounder
2

Edward Kihia

Defender
45

John Karuga

Raider
16

Keegan Jacq Tiellen
9

Martin Kibura

Left cover
9

Shuri Shadda

Left cover
8

Simon Kibura

Raider
18

Simon Peter Karanja
5

Victor Obiero

Women

7

Cynthia Naliaka

Left cover
14

Emily Wanyama
6

Kadogo Jackson

Raider
30

Mary Osoro

Controller
13

Mercy Muasa
20

Purity Njuguna
23

Rose Obilo
2

Susan Muthoni

Left cover

Also listed with the teams: Haggai Ogak (Secretary General), Ashley Joyce (Women Representative).

Kenyans in the Pro Kabaddi League

India’s professional league, the biggest stage in the sport.

Simon KiburaPuneri Paltan (season 2), Bengal Warriors (season 3) — The first Kenyan in the league.
Phelix OpanaBengal Warriors (season 3)
David MosambayiPuneri Paltan (season 3), Haryana Steelers (season 5) — Captained Kenya.
Victor ObieroPuneri Paltan (season 8)
Daniel OmondiPatna Pirates (seasons 8, 9 and 10) — Kenya captain.
James KamwetiU.P. Yoddhas (seasons 8 and 9)
Samuel WafulaU.P. Yoddhas (season 10)
Helvic SimiyuU.P. Yoddhas (season 10)

World Cup 2016 marks

As the Union records them.

James Obilo13 tackle points in a single match, and four super tackles in one match
David Mosambayi21 raid points in a single match
James Obilo and Odhiambo Zumaamong the tournament’s top defenders