🇰🇪KENYA – ARE YOU READY? – DAVIS CUP 2026 LANDS AT NAIROBI CLUB
Davis Cup began in 1900 as a competition between USA and Great Britain. It’s now the world’s largest annual international team competition in sport, with 157 nations entering in 2025. The early years were dominated by USA, Great Britain and Australia, but that period was ended in 1927 by France. In 1972, the competition underwent a major change of format as the Challenge Round was abolished, resulting in the reigning champion having to play in every round, rather than gaining a bye directly into the Final. In 1974, South Africa became the fifth nation to lift the trophy and was quickly followed by Sweden, Italy and Czechoslovakia, as the competition grew in popularity around the world. Nations were split into regional Zone Groups with promotion and relegation up for grabs.
Kael Shah, the reigning NCAA Doubles Champion and one of Team Kenya
Since then, generations of Kenyan players have proudly represented the country on courts across Africa and around the world. We remember pioneers such as Yashvin Shretta, Salim Rana and Eno Polo, who opened the way. We honour players like Paul Wekesa, who carried the Kenyan flag with distinction on the international stage; Asif Karim, a rare sportsman who proudly represented Kenya at the highest level in both tennis and cricket; Philip Ilako, a former Davis Cup player who later continued to serve the game through leadership; and Francis Rogoi, who wore the Kenya colours and later guided Angella Okutoyi to her historic 2022 Grand Slam achievements, helping to write one of the greatest chapters in Kenyan tennis history.
The Davis Cup Africa Group IV Regional Tie 2026 is an eight-nation team qualifying event where players compete for their flag, their country and national pride. The Davis Cup is tennis at its most passionate. The atmosphere will be electric, the competition fierce and the stakes high.
Raymond Oduor, Team Kenya
The competing teams are Kenya, Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Congo DRC, Ghana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, with teams placed into two groups competing in a round-robin and playoff format. On Saturday, play-offs between the nations finishing first and second in each pool will determine the recipients of the two promotion spots for next year’s Davis Cup Africa Group III. The teams finishing third and fourth in each pool will compete in relegation play-offs, with the losers slipping into next year’s Davis Cup Africa Group V.
Davis Cup is very competitive, everyone is fighting for their country, people are ready to sacrifice, stay out there for hours and hours playing tennis, so I would say it comes down to like basically like a dog fight, who wants it more, who’s willing to stay out there on the tennis court longer. – Kael Shah, Player Team Kenya 2026
Kenya last hosted the event in 2018 and 2019. The tournament returning marks a major milestone for Kenyan tennis, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as a destination for international sporting events. Hosting the Davis Cup comes on the back of Kenya Billie Jean King Cup, various ITF Junior competitions, and W35, amongst others regional competitions.
Ismael Changawa, Team Kenya
Team Kenya has been selected and is ready. For the assignment, Tennis Kenya has unveiled a youthful team which complements the organization’s vibrant player development programme. The 2026 Davis Cup squad brings together a compelling mix of experience, emerging talent and contrasting playing styles.
Leading the charge is 29-year-old Ismael Changawa Ruwa, a left-hander whose powerful forehand and extensive professional experience provide a steady foundation for the team. He is joined by 21-year-old Kael Shah, the reigning NCAA Doubles Champion, whose aggressive baseline game adds firepower and international pedigree.
Jeff Okuku, Team Kenya
The squad also features some of Kenya’s brightest young prospects, including 17-year-old Zayyan Virani, a rising junior star with recent ITF titles to his name and an all-court style that combines consistency from the baseline with a willingness to attack the net. Teenagers Jeff Okuku and Aum Chandarana further underline the team’s youthful promise, both known for their aggressive baseline play and strong performances on the junior circuit. Alongside them are Raymond Riziki and Liberty Baraka, adding further depth and competition to a squad that blends seasoned campaigners with the next generation of Kenyan tennis talent.
Behind the players is a leadership team with deep roots in Kenyan tennis. Team captain Rosemary Owino is one of the country’s most respected coaches and development figures, having helped shape Kenyan tennis for many years. Alongside her, team manager Allan Cooper brings the perspective of a former national champion and Davis Cup player, offering valuable experience as Kenya looks to make an impact on home soil.
Coach Rosemary Owino, Team Kenya
Tennis Kenya President Wanjiru Mbugua-Karani has exhorted the team: “You have earned this opportunity. When you step onto the court next week, remember that you are not just playing a tennis match. You are representing every young player training. You are representing every parent waking up at dawn to take their child to practice. You are representing every coach working tirelessly to develop talent. You are representing every Kenyan who believes in the power of sport. Wear the Kenyan colours with pride. Play with courage. Play for each other. Play for Kenya.”
Mbugua-Karani equally calls on fans and supporters: “Home advantage is real. When the stands are full, when the drums are beating, when the crowd is behind you, players find another level. Come to Nairobi Club from 17th to 20th June. Bring your family. Bring your friends. Bring your voice. Bring your flag. Let us fill the stands. Let us create a true home advantage. Let us show Africa what Kenyan hospitality and Kenyan passion look like.”
Aum Chandarana, Team Kenya
Bring your:
🥁 Drums
📣 Vuvuzelas
🇰🇪 Flags
💃 Dancing shoes
👏 Loudest cheers
👨👩👧👦 Family and friends
📍 Nairobi Club
📅 17–20 June 2026
🎟️ Tickets on Hustlesasa
• Ksh 300 per day | Ksh 1000 group day pass (4 people)
• Ksh 1,000 Season Pass (all four days)
• FREE entry for children aged 18 & under
• FREE entry for all students with a valid student ID
Fill the stands, bring the noise and give Team Kenya the home advantage!