Musa hails rising standards as national boxing trials intensify at Kaloleni
The 2026 National Open Boxing Championships are underway at Kaloleni Social Hall in Nairobi from April 1 to 4, serving as a key selection platform for Kenya’s national boxing teams under the Boxing Federation of Kenya.
The competition has featured 26 elite bouts across men’s and women’s divisions, with the finals scheduled for April 4 as boxers vie for national team slots and domestic honours.
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have emerged as the dominant side, sending 16 boxers into the semi-finals after a string of commanding performances across weight categories.
Corporal Washington Wandera delivered one of the standout moments with a first-round knockout in the lightweight division, while Sapper Kelvin Karuga secured a points win over Benson Kyalo.
Lance Corporal Pius Macharia impressed in the light welterweight division, defeating Abdalla Juma of Team Mombasa via unanimous decision.
Bantamweight star Sapper Dennis Muthama, a 2024 African Games gold medallist, maintained his strong form with a second-round stoppage, while heavyweight Hezron Maganga added to KDF’s momentum with a first-round finish.
Despite KDF’s dominance, several established names remain in contention. Hit Squad captain Boniface Mogunde and reigning middleweight champion Edwin Okong’o have both delivered solid performances to stay on course for the finals.
National team head coach Benjamin Musa praised the overall quality and intensity of the tournament following the semi-final rounds.
“The level of boxing has been very encouraging, and I am satisfied with what I have seen so far,” Musa said.
He noted that the championship is playing a critical role in identifying talent and shaping the national team.
“The depth of talent across the country is improving significantly, and this championship is helping us identify that,” he added.
Musa observed that the semi-finals have highlighted a clear distinction between fighters, emphasising discipline and tactical awareness as key factors.
“At this level, the semi-finals are separating disciplined boxers from the rest,” he said, while also pointing to improved technical quality compared to previous editions.
While acknowledging KDF’s strong structure and consistency, Musa credited Kenya Police, Kenya Prisons and regional clubs for raising the competitive standard.
With national team selection approaching, he stressed that places will be awarded strictly on merit and performance in the ring.
The championships come at a crucial time for Kenyan boxing, with a busy 2026 calendar that includes the Easter Tournament, WBA Africa Gold Title fight and Youth Olympic qualifiers.
Historically a key selection benchmark, the event is once again expected to play a decisive role in shaping Kenya’s squad for upcoming international competitions as the tournament heads into its final day.