Mombasa Hosts Successful FINA-Approved Open Water Swimming Event for 2028 Olympic Prep

Kenya made history as the first East African nation to host a FINA-certified 10km open water swim on October 12, 2025, off the shores of Nyali Beach, Mombasa. Over 200 swimmers from 18 countries competed, with Kenya’s Mercy Njoroge winning bronze—the nation’s first global open water medal. The event, backed by World Aquatics and Kenya Swimming Federation, served as a test for potential Olympic qualification pathways. Safety measures included shark-spotter drones and real-time GPS tracking. Mombasa County invested KSh 60 million in a permanent open water training zone. This isn’t just sport—it’s coastal tourism and youth livelihoods, said Governor Abdulswamad Nassir. Kenya now targets Olympic debut in open water at LA 2028.