Table Tennis tournament kicks off series of sporting activities ahead of Nakuru Athletics Club centenary celebrations
Nakuru Athletic Club Chairperson Dr Achoka Mwandale addressing the media on 11th March 2026
The Nakuru Athletic Club is currently hosting an exciting table tennis tournament that has attracted some of the region’s top players. The competition forms part of the club’s preparations for its upcoming centenary celebrations, which will feature a series of sporting activities aimed at promoting talent and strengthening the local sports culture.
A total of twenty-two players in the male category were initially drawn into two pools of eleven competitors each. However, Pool B was later expanded to twelve players following the late arrival of Peter Theuri. Matches in the pool stage were played as best-of-three sets, with the top four finishers from each pool advancing to the highly anticipated Round Robin stage.
Pool A delivered some of the most dramatic matches of the tournament so far. Many spectators had expected the pool’s top seed, Harnox Mathenge (Noxie), to progress comfortably through the group.
However, the tournament produced a surprising result when Steve Cheruiyot defeated Noxie 2–1 in a thrilling encounter that left fans stunned. Cheruiyot maintained his strong performance throughout the pool stage and ultimately finished as the only player in group to remain unbeaten.
Table Tennis Players during the tournament at the Nakuru Athletic Club
Joining Cheruiyot as qualifiers from Pool A were Meshack Simiyu (Metro) and veteran coach George Kiringe. Coach Kiringe’s qualification carried special significance, as he has mentored several of the players now competing against him, having coached them during their high school years.
Meanwhile, Pool B also produced its fair share of surprises. Third seed Godwill Kamau suffered a 2–1 defeat to Paul Mogere in another major upset. Despite the loss, Kamau recovered well to secure a place in the final eight alongside Pool B’s top seed Allan Singar and Mogere himself.
However, the standout performer in Pool B was Peter Theuri, who moved through the expanded twelve-player pool without losing a single match. Theuri’s dominant run has already positioned him as one of the players to watch as the tournament progresses.
As the competition moves into the Round Robin stage, Cheruiyot will be aiming to maintain his unbeaten momentum, while Noxie is expected to mount a strong comeback after his earlier defeat. At the same time, Theuri’s performance against top contenders could determine whether he is truly a level above the rest.
Women players are competing through a round-robin format due to the smaller number of participants.
Menengai High School Table Tennis Club Coach Benjamin Rono said that the tournament was a great opportunity for the students to gauge their skill as they look forward to the high school games.
While addressing the media the club chairperson Achoka Mwandale, the tournament is part of broader preparations for the club’s centenary celebrations.
“The centenary celebrations will feature 13 sports disciplines, and through these events we hope to nurture more sports talent,” he says.
The sporting disciplines lined up for the celebrations include table tennis, chess, pool, snooker, darts, hockey, volleyball, squash, rugby, football, scrabble, cricket and the Pink Marathon race, with events expected to run from April to July.