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Kenya’s volleyball community is mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars, Janet Wanja, who passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 40. The beloved former setter for the Malkia Strikers succumbed to a courageous battle with gallbladder cancer, leaving a profound void in the hearts of fans, fellow athletes, and the broader Kenyan sports community.
Wanja’s legacy in volleyball is nothing short of remarkable. Born on February 24, 1984, in Nairobi, she made her first impact in the sport during her years at Mukumu Girls High School before rising to prominence with Kenya Commercial Bank and later Kenya Pipeline. Her exceptional skill as a setter earned her a spot on the national team, where she became a key figure in Kenya’s volleyball success over nearly two decades.
Her international career was defined by significant milestones. Wanja represented Kenya at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, where the national team finished in 11th place, a testament to their growing potential on the world stage. Over the years, she helped secure five African Nations Championship titles, three gold medals at the All-African Games, and a historic World Grand Prix victory in 2015, making Kenya the first African nation to win the prestigious tournament.
Wanja’s contributions went beyond her playing days. Following her retirement from active competition, she transitioned into coaching and mentoring, guiding the next generation of Malkia Strikers. Her role as a gym instructor at Kenya Pipeline was also instrumental in the development of young volleyball talent. Wanja was admired not only for her skill but also for her leadership, inspiring countless athletes across Kenya and beyond.
In December 2024, her life took a heartbreaking turn when she was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer. Despite undergoing treatment and showing immense strength, Wanja’s health deteriorated rapidly, leading to her untimely passing.
The news of her death has sent shockwaves through the Kenyan sports fraternity, with tributes pouring in from fellow athletes, fans, and national officials. Many remember her not only for her athletic prowess but for her unwavering dedication to her team and the sport.
Kenyan sports officials have expressed deep sorrow at her passing, praising her as one of the most influential figures in the history of Kenyan volleyball. Her legacy will undoubtedly live on through the generations she mentored, as well as the countless victories she helped her teams achieve.
Janet Wanja will be remembered as a pioneer, a mentor, and a true champion of Kenyan volleyball. Though her life was cut short, her impact on the sport and the country will endure for years to come.