Esther Mutinda Returns to Malkia Strikers with Fresh Energy Ahead of African Championship

NAIROBI, Kenya — Esther Mutinda is back with the Malkia Strikers, and the experienced setter is hoping her return can give Kenya’s women’s volleyball team a different edge as they begin their campaign at the 2026 CAVB African Nations Championship.

The 27-year-old setter is making her return to the national team after last featuring at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. She had missed the 2025 FIVB World Championship in Thailand due to personal commitments, making her comeback an important one for both the player and the team.

The championship is scheduled to run from August 25 to September 5, with matches taking place at Kasarani Indoor Arena and Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, Nairobi.

For Mutinda, however, this is more than simply a return to the national team. She wants to bring a fresh approach to Kenya’s attack.

“I’m happy to be back in the national team. I missed last year’s World Championship and also didn’t play in the 2023 African Nations Championship in Cameroon, but I’m glad to return.”

Mutinda believes her familiarity with the national setup, combined with the time she has spent away, could work to her advantage.

She is particularly confident that her style of setting could introduce a different rhythm to Malkia Strikers’ game.

“I’m keen to bring in a different style of setting that will change the team’s rhythm. Some opponents haven’t seen me play in a while, and it may take them time to figure me out.”

The KCB Women’s Volleyball Team setter is no stranger to the national team. She made her debut in 2019, after developing through the local volleyball system with Kwanthanze Secondary School and later Kenya Pipeline.

Now, she faces competition for the starting setter position from regular national team setter Emmaculate Nekesa as coach Geoffrey Omondi finalises his plans for the continental championship.

A tough battle for the African crown

Kenya enter the tournament with a clear objective — defend their African title.

But Mutinda knows the road to another championship will not be straightforward.

Cameroon and Egypt remain among the biggest threats to Kenya’s dominance on the continent, and the setter expects both sides to provide serious tests.

“I know it’s not going to be a walk in the park, especially against Cameroon and Egypt, given their competitiveness. But we’ve trained well to cause upsets.”

The team has also been working on building chemistry, particularly as players compete for places in the final lineup.

For Mutinda, getting that understanding right will be crucial.

“Training has been all about gelling with the team, and we’re in a good place right now.”

Olympic qualification on the agenda

Beyond defending their continental crown, Kenya have another major target — qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Mutinda was part of the Kenyan team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, giving her valuable experience of competing at the highest level.

She would love another opportunity to represent Kenya on the Olympic stage.

“I played at the 2024 Olympic Games, and I’d love it if we qualify again. It won’t be easy, but I believe it can be done.”

With the African championship approaching, Mutinda’s return adds another option to Kenya’s squad and gives coach Omondi an experienced setter capable of changing the tempo of the team’s attack.

The battle for playing time may be intense, but for Mutinda, the bigger goal remains the same: help Malkia Strikers stay on top of Africa and take another step towards Los Angeles 2028.

Championship draw

The draw for the 2026 CAVB African Nations Championship is scheduled for Monday at 7pm at Fairview Hotel in Upper Hill, Nairobi.

With the draw set to determine Kenya’s opponents and route through the tournament, attention now turns to the opening whistle on August 25.