Team Kenya set to arrive in Japan at 7:03pm Tokyo-time

Kenya women volleyball team players (from left) Jane Wacu, Lorine Chebet, Gladys Ekaru and Edith Wisa showing off their official Olympics travel kit provided by NOC-K partners brand Tusker yesterday. [Courtesy]

The national women's volleyball team Malkia Strikers are set to arrive in Japan on July 9 at 7:03 pm Tokyo-time (1:03pm kenyan-time), about two weeks before the opening of the Tokyo Games.

Standard Sports have learnt, the team are on board Qatar Airways and have about four hours to land at Narita Airport, Tokyo.

Organisers of the delayed Tokyo Olympics will require COVID-19 tests for non-Japanese athletes and other participants upon arrival in Japan, according to a draft of measures proposed by organisers.

There are several forms to be filled and Apps to be downloaded as part of the Covid-19 compliance protocols.

The measures are the latest response by both the IOC and Tokyo officials.

Malkia Strikers were the first batch to leave for Japan last evening ahead of their two-week acclimatisation period in Karume.

The trip comes a day after President Uhuru Kenyatta handed over the official flag and travelling kit to Team Kenya.

Inspired by Kenya’s national colours and symbols, the attire will be donned by the travelling contingent.

Speaking during the send-off ceremony for the team at State House, Uhuru lauded Team Kenya for their continuous efforts to put Kenya on the map through their exploits on global sporting stages.

President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday July 8, 20201, when he handed over the national flag to Team Kenya Rugby 7s captain Andrew Amonde ahead of the Tokyo Olympic games scheduled for July 23 to August 8. President Uhuru also launched the team's official kit. [PSCU]

“Kenyan sports have attracted the best talents in the country and our values of hard work and service are deeply entrenched in our athletes,” said Uhuru.

“The 2020 Tokyo Olympics is another opportunity for us to market our country in the sporting world. For this reason, my government has and will continue to support you as you take part in this years’ Olympic games.”