NAIROBI, Kenya – The 2025/2026 Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Men's National League began with a seismic shock on Thursday, November 6, 2025, as the Kenya Airport Police Unit (KAPU) stunned defending champions General Service Unit (GSU) in a pulsating five-set match at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. The newly-promoted side clinched a memorable 3-2 victory, heralding a dramatic start to the new season and immediately questioning the long-held dominance of the paramilitary powerhouse.

The closely contested match saw KAPU triumph with set scores of 21-25, 25-22, 25-21, 24-26, and a dominant 15-5 in the final set. GSU, under the guidance of coach Gideon Tarus, initially appeared to be in control, taking the first set 25-21. However, KAPU, coached by Luke Makuto, demonstrated remarkable resilience and superior defensive strategy to claw back, winning the next two sets 25-22 and 25-21 to take a surprising lead.

The reigning champions were not ready to relinquish their unbeaten start without a fight. GSU rallied in a tense fourth set, narrowly winning it 26-24 to force a decisive fifth set. But the momentum had decisively shifted. A fatigued-looking GSU crumbled under pressure in the final set as KAPU delivered a flawless performance, crushing the champions 15-5 to seal what their coach later described as one of the biggest victories in the club's history.

A Champion's Shaky Start

GSU entered the season aiming to defend the title they reclaimed in the 2024/2025 season. However, their start was hampered by the notable absence of key players. According to reports from the KVF, the team was missing outside hitter and last season's MVP Nicholas Matui, who has moved to Rwanda for a professional stint, as well as setter Mathias Kemboi and libero Hudson Kipchumba. Their absence was deeply felt as the team struggled for cohesion at critical moments.

In his post-match comments on Thursday, KAPU head coach Luke Makuto praised his team's execution and grit. "I want to thank my boys for their impressive shift in today's game. We have shown what we are capable of doing," Makuto stated. "GSU is a good team and they have quality but we showed grit today. Our defence worked as per my expectations because we always train to defend well."

Implications for the League

This opening-day result sends a powerful message across the league. KAPU, a recently promoted team, has immediately established itself as a serious contender capable of challenging the established order. For GSU, the loss is a significant wake-up call and highlights potential vulnerabilities following their recent squad changes.

Other title hopefuls, including last season's finalists Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and former champions Kenya Prisons, will have taken note of the champions' faltering start. KPA began their campaign comfortably, defeating Trailblazers 3-0, while Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) also secured a straight-sets victory over Prisons Rift Valley. The league's opening leg, which runs until Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Kasarani, promises more intense competition.

Looking ahead, KAPU will aim to build on their stellar start when they face the National Youth Service (NYS) on Friday, November 7. GSU has a chance to redeem themselves on Sunday when they play Trailblazers Volleyball Club. The focus now shifts to whether GSU can quickly regroup or if this stunning defeat marks the beginning of a more competitive and unpredictable season for the KVF National League title.