The Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) has named the final squad of the women’s national volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, ahead of the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship.The prestigious continental tournament will be held in Kenya from Sunday, August 23, to Saturday, September 5, with 16 teams competing for the title. The championship will also serve as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.##NAJAVA_MECA_68127##KVF initially called up 27 players for national duty, a number that was reduced to 20 players on Saturday, August 8. The final 14-player squad was named on Saturday, August 15, following a week-long rigorous training camp.Rwanda-based Meldinah Sande will captain the team and leads a star-studded group of outside hitters that includes Mozzart Kenya Cup Most Valuable Player (MVP) Veronicah Adhiambo, Daisy Leting and Milka Akinyi, who made a historic and surprising cut.Akinyi, who is celebrating her birthday today, is a student at Aluor Girls, where she led the team to the national level in the FEASSA Games. Her performances caught the eye of the national team technical bench, earning her a call-up that has now culminated in a place in the final 14 that will represent Kenya at the continental tournament.Charlton's comeback in the first round, Sichenje did his part of the jobJosephine Kataa, the reigning Mozzart Kenya Cup Best Libero, will compete for the position alongside Sharon Arusei.The impressive Merlin Tery Tata, who won the Best Opposite Hitter award, will once again be tasked with the role alongside DCI’s Mercy Iminza.Experienced setter Emmaculate Nekesa will handle the setting duties alongside Esther Mutinda.Business as usual as heavyweights storm Kabeberi 7s quarter-finalsBelinda Barasa headlines a group of top middle blockers that also includes Gladys Ekaru, Mariana Sokoiyo and Lorine Chebet.The seven players dropped from the squad include Jemima Siang’u, Juliana Namutira, Pauline Chemutai, Linar Ogweno, Deborah Jesang and Sharon Sandui.Team KenyaOutside Hitters: Veronicah Adhiambo, Meldinah Sande (Captain), Daisy Leting, Milka AkinyiMiddle Blockers: Gladys Ekaru, Belinda Barasa, Mariana Sokoiyo, Lorine ChebetSetters: Emmaculate Nekesa, Esther MutindaOpposite Hitters: Merlin Tery Tata, Mercy IminzaLiberos: Josephine Kataa, Sharon AruseiHarambee Stars prospect links up with fellow Kenyan after joining English club