Kenya Rowing

In 1995, Kenya became member of the International Rowing Federation (FISA). In 1997, the rowing club moved to a new site on the calm Tudor Creek on the western shore of Mombasa Island. FISA assisted the Kenya Rowing Association by donating some sculls and doubles.

Kenya sent its first International squad to the 4th African Rowing Championships in South Africa in March 2000 and followed up with participation in the 5th African Rowing Championships in Cairo Egypt in 2002. Indoor rowing and coastal rowing are being practiced in Mombasa as various competitions are organised. In 2002 Kenya became affiliated with the International Canoe Federation becoming the Kenya Rowing and Canoe Federation.

In 2002, Kenyan rowers received Solidarity Scholarships from the International Olympic Committee to train at The Australian Sports Institute in Canberra to prepare for the qualifications for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, which was the first time Kenya was represented in rowing. Ibrahim Githaiga represented Kenya in the open weight single scull category. In 2003, the Kenya Rowing and Canoe Association and Kenya Tourist Board undertook a pilot project to promote Kenya as a winter training destination for rowing crews who wish to combine rowing training and some sightseeing.

Kenya, in particular Mombasa, offers ideal rowing training on very long seawater creeks. For high-altitude training, Eldoret, a small town at about 2000 meters above sea level offers great rowing at the nearby Lessos Dam. Eldoret is also home to Kenya's elite long distance runners, who train at the nearby IAAF training facility. Kisumu also offers ample flatwater rowing on Lake Victoria. Equipment and infrastructure for visiting crews have been put in place and all the necessary facilities are available.