- Kenya will host the 2026 Davis Cup Africa Group IV tournament set for June.
- Tennis Kenya made the announcement on Tuesday, March 17, confirming a four-day tournament that will feature eight nations.
- Kenya last hosted the continental showpiece in 2018 and 2019, delivering remarkable performances on home soil.
Kenya has secured the rights to host the 2026 Davis Cup Africa Group IV tournament set for June, marking a major return of the event to Nairobi after nearly six years away.
The World Cup of men’s tennis will bring together eight nations; Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, for a four-day battle for promotion to Africa Group III in 2027.
Kenya last hosted the continental showpiece in 2018 and 2019, delivering outstanding performances on home soil.
On both occasions, the national team emerged victorious, securing promotion to the Euro/Africa Group II.
Kenya to host 2026 Davis Cup Africa Group IV
Speaking on the successful bid, Tennis Kenya President Mrs. Wanjiru Karani expressed confidence in delivering a world-class event and optimism about the national team’s chances.
“This is a proud moment for Tennis Kenya and for Kenya. We are ready to host the Davis Cup, the World Cup of Tennis, ready to compete, show up, cheer and show what Kenyan tennis is all about.”
The tournament marks a significant milestone for Kenyan tennis, reaffirming the country’s growing reputation as a premier destination for international sporting events.
Teams will compete in a round-robin and playoff format, with the top-performing nations earning promotion to Africa Group III.
“We are delighted to welcome Africa back to Nairobi. Hosting this tournament not only boosts the development of tennis locally but also gives our players a valuable home advantage as they compete for promotion,” added Hon. Secretary General, Nancy Nduku.
Beyond the sporting action, the event is expected to generate meaningful economic impact.
The tournament will attract players, coaches, officials, and fans from across the region, driving demand for hotels, restaurants, transport services, and local businesses.
The influx of international visitors is anticipated to boost tourism revenues, create temporary employment opportunities, and provide valuable global exposure for Nairobi as a vibrant sporting and travel destination.
Kenya eyes home advantage for redemption at the 2026 Davis Cup Africa Group IV
Kenya will be going all in this edition, especially with the advantage of playing at home, after falling short in their bid for promotion at the 2025 tournament held in Luanda, Angola.
Coach Peter Rakuom’s charges, narrowly avoided relegation after pulling off a dramatic 2–1 comeback victory over Mauritius in a relegation play-off semi-final at Kikuxi Villas Tennis Academy.
Albert Njogu got Kenya off to a shaky start, losing the opening singles rubber 3–6, 7–5, 2–6 to Mauritius’ Daniel Bazu.
However, USA-based Kael Shah, the reigning Kenya Open champion, stepped up to level the tie with a commanding 6–3, 6–2 win over Rushil Seewoosurrun.
In the decisive doubles rubber, Rakuom paired Ismael Changawa and Kael Shah, who rose to the occasion by defeating Mauritius’ Anthony Kwok Yin Siong Yen and partner 6–3, 6–2 to secure Kenya’s place in Group IV for another year.
Kenya, a Davis Cup participant since 1974, must now reassess its strategy to regain upward momentum after a challenging outing in Luanda and this time round on home soil, they have everything to fight for.