Cyclists From 30 African Nations to Converge in Kisumu for 5-Day Competition

More than 340 cyclists from over 30 African countries are expected to converge in Kisumu for the 2026 Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) Road Africa Championships.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 13, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said the competition is scheduled to take place from October 21 to 25.

"All roads lead to Kisumu as Kenya prepares to welcome Africa's finest cyclists for the 2026 Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) Road Africa Championships-scheduled for 21st-25th October 2026," he wrote.

Mwangi said the continued hosting of the championships demonstrated the government's commitment to nurturing talent, transforming the economy through sports and enhancing Kenya's international profile.

"Hosting this prestigious championship for the third consecutive time reaffirms Kenya's growing stature as a continental sporting powerhouse and reflects the Government's commitment to positioning sports as a catalyst for talent development, economic transformation and international recognition," he added.

Beyond the sporting competition, the championships are expected to provide an opportunity to promote Kisumu as a tourism destination while creating business opportunities for local traders and enterprises.

The event will showcase the lakeside city's scenery, culture and hospitality, with visitors, athletes and cycling enthusiasts expected to contribute to economic activity during the five-day competition.

"Beyond the thrill of competition, the championship will showcase Kisumu's breathtaking lakeside beauty, vibrant culture and hospitality while stimulating tourism, trade and local enterprise. 

"A Family Fun Ride on Saturday morning will add to the excitement, bringing families and communities together in celebration of sport and healthy living," he further said.

The championships are scheduled to officially get underway on Wednesday, October 21, with the government urging Kenyans, cycling enthusiasts and visitors to attend the event and support the participating athletes.

Mwangi invited members of the public to turn out for the opening and subsequent races, expressing confidence that the competition would deliver an exciting sporting spectacle for spectators.

"As we prepare for the official flag-off on Wednesday, 21st October, I invite Kenyans, cycling enthusiasts and visitors to turn out in their numbers, cheer on the athletes and experience five days of extraordinary sporting action," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Talanta Stadium in Nairobi is set to host its first international sporting event in January 2027 when it stages the HSBC SVNS 2 rugby sevens tournament.

According to the tournament promotional poster shared on Tuesday, October 13, Nairobi will host the competition on January 23 and 24, 2027, at Talanta Sports Stadium. 

The event will bring international rugby sevens action to the Kenyan capital as the country continues to strengthen its position as a host of major sporting competitions.

The Nairobi leg is part of a series of HSBC SVNS 2 tournaments scheduled for early 2027, with Montevideo, Uruguay, hosting the second leg on February 20 and 21, followed by Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 27 and 28.

The three tournaments will provide a platform for participating teams to compete across the international rugby sevens circuit.