Kenya makes history by becoming first African host of Rafting World Cup. The World Rafting Cup marked a major milestone for the sport on the continent. This international event was held in Sagana on the Tana River and featured 61 teams from several countries competing in sprint, RX and slalom races on Grade-III and IV rapids.
The competition was held alongside the African Rafting Championship, where Kenya also won the continental title and has marked the event a historic success for the country and African rafting.
Rafting World Cup Series 2026
The Kenya Rafting Federation is hosting the competition for the first time in history. Kenya and Africa are hosting a Rafting World Cup Series in 2026. The Kenya Series will take place in Sagana, marking a historic milestone for the sport on the African continent.
This prestigious global event is expected to attract approximately 40 participating countries, bringing the world’s top rafting athletes to Kenya.
Kenya 🇰🇪 Makes History as First African Host of Rafting World Cup
Kenya has become the first African country to host a leg of the World Rafting Cup, marking a major milestone for the sport on the continent.
The international event was held in Sagana on the Tana River and… pic.twitter.com/VRdvWELM1N
— Africa View Facts (@AfricaViewFacts) July 15, 2026
The 2026 Rafting World Cup Series calendar is following the schedule:
- Pau, France – April 21 to 25, 2026
- Val di Sole, Italy – June 23 to 28, 2026
- Sagana, Kenya – July 05 to 12, 2026
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – November 18 to 22, 2026
The Kenya event represents a major achievement for the country and the African continent, as it will be for the first time this prestigious competition is hosted in the region.
Furthermore, the event is being organised in collaboration with the World Rafting Federation (WRF) and the International Rafting Federation (IRF), which are in the process of unifying to form a single global rafting governing body known as United Rafting.
Kenya is looking forward to welcome the international rafting community to Sagana, as it promises to be a world-class competition and a celebration of the sport.
Notably, the Kenya State Department of Sport has pledged to support the event fully. This will put Kenya on the Global map and will enhance tourism proceeds that will be harvested from the global event. This is expected to bring in all Rafting and Adrenaline enthusiast together in July.