Malkia Strikers' Marian Sokoiyo spikes against Algeria's Abderrahim Yasmine during the 2026 African Volleyball Confederation Women's Africa Volleyball Championship on September 1, 2026, at Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi.
Marian Sokoiyo, who stands at 6 feet 2 inches tall, is gradually asserting her presence in the national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, with her swiftness, high-flying blocks, contagious smile and zeal.
The middle blocker’s stellar performance, which secured Malkia Strikers a place in the semi-finals and brought them closer to their 11th Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship title in Nairobi, has left many in awe.
On Tuesday night, Malkia Strikers were on the back foot in the first set, losing 25–21 to Algeria, but Sokoiyo was one of the players who helped turn the game around, with the team going on to win 3–1 with set scores of 21–25, 25–7, 25–15 and 25–18.
Sokoiyo, aged 22, claimed 14 points in the match, where she was the best blocker with seven, in addition to six successful attacks. Malkia Strikers have now reached the semi-finals, where they will meet Cameroon today.
Sokoiyo collected 14 points for Malkia Strikers, who glided past Nigeria 3–0 (25–21, 25–17, 25–15) in the Round of 16 to set up a clash with Algeria.
Malkia Strikers' Marian Sokoiyo during the 2026 African Volleyball Confederation Women's Africa Volleyball Championship on September 1, 2026, at Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi.
The Kenya Pipeline player made eight attacks, five blocks and four aces to help Kenya progress to the quarters, having also led the team to a 3-0 win over Zambia in the pool round with 11 points, six attacks and two blocks. Sokoiyo is currently the leading Kenyan player in the championship with 43 points from 24 attacks, 14 blocks and five serves.
“You ain’t seen anything yet. I have heard about Cameroon, but I dare them to bring their entire arsenal to the semi-finals,” said Sokoiyo.
“We are ready for them, and they will experience the full force of Malkia Strikers in attack, blocking, serving and backcourt defence. We prepared well for this championship. We carry the hopes of a nation, especially the youth.”
Sokoiyo said that their ultimate dream is to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This year’s Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship is also serving as a qualifier for both the 2023 FIVB Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Malkia Strikers previously qualified for the World Cup in 1991, 1995, 2007, 2011 and 2015, achieving their best-ever finish of 10th place in the latter year.
They hope to make their fifth Olympics appearance after competing in the 2000 Sydney, 2004 Athens, 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris. Sokoiyo is grateful to the Malkia Strikers technical bench for their confidence in her.
Malkia Strikers' Marian Sokoiyo spikes during the 2026 African Volleyball Confederation Women's Africa Volleyball Championship on September 1, 2026, at Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi.
“Their trust and belief in my talent means the world to me. Now it is my turn, along with the other young players in the team, to return the favour with a good performance,” she said.
She believes that, besides her talent, it is her courage and confidence that made her one of head coach Geoffrey Omondi’s picks. “I operate without fear or pressure, and that is the spirit of the team,” said Sokoiyo, who plays under coach Omondi at Pipeline.
“She is our biggest asset in her position, and being named Africa’s best at the club championship is proof of that,” said Omondi, describing her as dependable, disciplined, and strong-willed.
“I signed her knowing that I could develop her into an explosive player, especially at the net,” said Omondi, adding that she could exceed the achievements of Triza Atuka and Gladys Ekaru.
Sokoiyo’s rise comes just a year after she was not selected for the FIVB World Championship in Thailand.
Sokoiyo sought to improve her game and it paid off when she was named the best blocker at the Women’s African Clubs Championship in Egypt.
She also claimed similar accolades when Kenya Pipeline settled for a record 15th Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Women’s League title and Kenya Cup.
Sokoiyo refined her volleyball skills at the volleyball powerhouse Kwanthanze Girls High School between 2019 and 2022.
KCB signed Sokoiyo and her schoolmates Faith Cherotich and Pauline Chemutai into their system upon completing school in January 2023.
The Kenya Pipeline signed Sokoiyo from KCB’s stable just before the start of the 2024/2025 season, before winning them the league title.
Follow ourWhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.
