Nairobi, Nakuru win National Para-volley titles

Nakuru’s Philip Ekitala battles with Machakos players (in Orange) during a National Para-volleyball Championships match at Gioto Social Hall in Nakuru on Friday.[Kipsang Joseph,Standard]

Hosts Nakuru (men) and Nairobi (women) emerged the overall champions in their respective categories as curtains fell on the National Para-Volleyball Championships at Gioto Social Hall, Nakuru yesterday.

Nakuru won the men’s title while Nairobi retained the women championships in the three day competition that attracted a total of six counties namely Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, Vihiga, Homa Bay, Uasin Gishu and Machakos.

Nakuru dethroned former champions Nairobi to claim the men’s title after garnering 12 points in a tournament that was played in a round robin format. Kisumu and Machakos finished second and third respectively.

Nairobi finished fourth ahead of Uasin Gishu and Homa Bay. 

In the women’s category, Nairobi amassed unassailable 13 points to retain the overall title while Kisumu finished second with eight points.

Uasin Gishu emerged third with five points ahead of Homa Bay’s four points and Vihiga with no point.

On their way to winning the men’s title Nakuru defeated Kisumu 2-1 (25-21, 16-25 and 25-22) as Nairobi picked a 2-0 (25-8 and 25-12) win over Machakos in their final matches yesterday.

Nairobi women’s team beat Vihiga by two straight sets of 25-8 and 25-12 after Nakuru had overcame Kisumu 2-1 (25-21, 16-25 and 25-22).

Kenya Para-Volleyball Federation (KPVF) Organising Secretary Patrick Wangila said they are yet to decide on the venue to host next month’s final leg of the championships.

“We have given the two counties (Bungoma and Mombasa) a chance to decide on which among them is ready to host the tournament,” he told Standard Sports.

Wangila said: “We might decide on a particular county to host the tournament but turn the offer down on their inability to do so. This is why we have given them (two counties) an opportunity to decide on their own on which among them is fit to do so.”

KPVF Secretary General Justus Kutumo said: “When they come up with a decision in good time, it allow us time to send in invitations at the right time.”