By Mumo Judah
The race for the 2026 Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) National League title gathered momentum on Friday as the men’s quarterfinal playoffs got underway at KPA Makande Hall in Mombasa, with Chema, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Kenya Prisons and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) booking their places in the semifinals after impressive victories.
The opening day of the three-day playoffs produced entertaining contests, with the four winners keeping their championship dreams alive while bringing an end to the campaigns of Trailblazers, Equity Bank, General Service Unit (GSU) and KAPU.
Chema became the first team to secure a semifinal berth after defeating Trailblazers in the day’s opening quarterfinal. The side combined disciplined defending with clinical attacking play to control the match from start to finish and comfortably progress to the last four.
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) followed suit with a commanding performance against Equity Bank in the second quarterfinal. KDF’s disciplined blocking, effective service game and powerful attacks left Equity struggling to establish any momentum as the military side cruised into the semifinals.
One of the day’s most anticipated fixtures saw Kenya Prisons underline their title credentials with a convincing victory over General Service Unit (GSU). The former champions maintained control during the decisive moments of the contest, earning a deserved win that sparked celebrations among their supporters at the packed KPA Makande Hall.
Hosts Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) completed the semifinal lineup after overcoming KAPU in the final quarterfinal of the day. Inspired by strong home support, KPA displayed composure, defensive solidity and attacking efficiency to seal victory and keep alive hopes of lifting the league title on home court.
The four victories confirmed Chema, KDF, Kenya Prisons and KPA as this year’s men’s semifinalists, setting the stage for an exciting battle as the competition enters its decisive phase.
With a place in the championship final now at stake, the remaining fixtures promise even greater intensity as four of Kenya’s top volleyball sides continue their quest for the 2026 KVF National League crown.
