Newcomers Chema Volleyball Club are poised to make a dramatic entrance into the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) National League, with team officials declaring their readiness to challenge the nation's elite teams. The Juja-based club, founded in 2022, secured its promotion from Division Two after an impressive campaign that saw them finish at the top of the lower league with 40 points. Their promotion, alongside Eldowas, sets the stage for a compelling 2025/26 season, which officially serves off for the men's category between Thursday, November 6, and Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Aggressive Recruitment and Regional Experience

Chema's ambitions are backed by a significant recruitment drive aimed at disrupting the established order. The club has made several high-profile signings, raiding reigning champions General Service Unit (GSU) for libero Hudson Kipchumba and Mathias Kemboi. Other notable acquisitions include middle blocker Eugene Okello from Trailblazers, setter Stephen Otieno, formerly of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), and the Equity Bank duo of Leister Mudibo and libero Bethoven Otieno. This aggressive transfer activity underscores the financial backing of its founder, Chema Steel and Hardware chairman Charles Mathenge, and signals a clear strategy to compete from the outset.

Head Coach Jeremiah “Madeni” Mukopi, a former GSU officer, believes the team's recent international exposure will be a critical asset. Despite their recent formation, Chema has actively participated in several regional tournaments. They reached the finals of the 2025 Rwanda Genocide Memorial Tournament in June and competed in the NSSF KAVC International Volleyball Tournament in Uganda in September, as well as the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Memorial International Tournament in Tanzania. Mukopi stated on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, that this experience has prepared them for the rigors of the top-flight league. "We hope to go all the way and win the national title," Mukopi declared, expressing confidence in his squad's ability to qualify for the league playoffs.

A Challenging Debut Weekend

The new season's structure will see 16 men's teams, including giants like GSU, KDF, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), and Kenya Prisons, vying for the title. The top eight teams at the end of the regular season will advance to the playoffs, with the ultimate winner earning a spot in the prestigious African Clubs Championship.

Chema's resolve will be tested immediately with a demanding opening weekend at the Moi International Sports Centre Indoor Arena. Their campaign begins on Friday, November 7, 2025 (EAT), against the National Youth Service (NYS). They will then face the Administration Police of Kenya (APK) on Saturday, November 8, before concluding their first leg with a formidable match against the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) on Sunday, November 9. Coach Mukopi acknowledged the tough challenge ahead but remains focused on starting the season with victories.

Implications for Kenyan Volleyball

The promotion of a well-funded and ambitious club like Chema, along with Eldowas, introduces a new dynamic to the KVF National League. It challenges the long-standing dominance of institutional teams such as GSU, Kenya Prisons, and KPA, who have traditionally constituted the league's top tier. Chema's investment in talent from established clubs could foster greater competitiveness and elevate the overall standard of the league, providing a significant boost for volleyball in Kenya. The relegation of Mt Kenya Base Yetu and the Department of Defence Camp Administration Unit (DOD CAU) at the end of last season further highlights the league's evolving and increasingly competitive landscape. As the new season begins, the Kenyan volleyball community will be watching closely to see if this ambitious debutant can translate its bold pronouncements and significant investments into on-court success.