No Upsets as KCB, Prisons and DCI advance to Kenya Cup semis

There were no surprises on Saturday as Kenya's top women's clubs dominated their opponents to advance to the semi-finals of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) inaugural Kenya Cup at Nyayo Gymnasium.

Former League champions KCB Bank, Kenya Prisons, and National Women's League silver medallists the Directorate of Criminal Investigations won their respective quarter-final matches to secure their last four slots. They joined newly crowned league champions Kenya Pipeline, who got a bye. The quartet will represent Kenya in the 2026 Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone Five Club Championship that the country will host at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

Kenya Prisons, who are seeking redemption after fumbling in the league, were first on court against Kenya Army. The wardresses, who finished the leg in fourth place for the first time in many years, were without a doubt the better side, easily sweeping aside the servicewomen in straight sets of 25-12, 25-15, and 25-15.

The Josp Barasa-coached side was very tactical, showing improvement in areas that the experienced tactician had, in an earlier interview, revealed that they struggled to perform well in the league play-offs.

They totally outplayed Kenya Army in all areas and are looking to get better ahead of the semis and final.

KCB Bank carried the day in the battle of the bankers as they dismissed their Postbank counterparts in straight sets.

KCB, who settled for bronze in the league after relinquishing their crown in the semi-finals, had it easy with Postbank winning the first set 25-15.

Coach Japheth Munala's charges were on top of their game, taking a 2-0 lead before Postbank showed some resistance in the third set. The set was evenly contested, with the sides alternating to score points. However, the more experienced KCB side would win the set 25-23 to book their place in the semi-final.

DCI, who had a very good season since their 2018 establishment, rallied from a set down to beat Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) 3-1 and enhance their chances of bagging another medal.

DCI shocked Kenya Prisons in the National League playoffs to win 2-0 before falling by the same margin to champions Kenya Pipeline to settle for silver.

DCI was outsmarted by KDF, who took the first set 25-22 but recovered in time to salvage the match and book their place in the semis. They won the second set 25-23, which boosted their confidence as they would go on to easily win the third and fourth sets 25-10 and 25-15 to carry the day.

The semi-final and final play-offs will be held next weekend.

The men will be in action today with Kenya Prisons, who lost their league title and finished out of the medal bracket, seeking redemption. General Service Unit (GSU), who won the men's trophy, finalists Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Equity Bank are top contenders for the title.