From having a quiet time at home with loved ones, to attending church prayers, and sharing a meal with the less fortunate, here is how some of Kenya’s top athletes plan to spend their time during Christmas Day:
Ferdinand Omanyala
Africa’s fastest man outdoor Ferdinand Omanyala.
“My training ended yesterday morning, and I shall break for a week before resuming. Last year, we toured some of the country’s game parks, but this time around, I will take my family to visit their grandparents, Dishon and Adelaide Omurwa, in Tongaren, Kitale. I want my children, Quinton, 7, and Floucy,10, to experience what we did when we were young, playing on the riverside, and herding cattle as they eat fruits in the forest. We will eat Luhya delicacies from my mum’s kitchen, and see the countryside.
2023 world 800m champ Mary Moraa
Mary Moraa of Kenya celebrates with her medal on the podium
“For years, I have shared a meal with street families and the less fortunate on Christmas Day at Uhuru Park in Nairobi. I usually engage an outside catering service provider to do this. This time round, I will share a meal and my story with street families in Kisii, where I come from. I want them to feel loved and wanted. I want them to know that no situation is permanent.”
Kenya Sevens captain George Ooro
George Ooro at full throttle during a training session at the RFUEA grounds in Nairobi on January 15, 2025.
“Since we are preparing to play in World Rugby Sevens Division II (Nairobi Sevens), I shall celebrate Christmas Day in Nairobi with my loved ones, including my siblings Aurelia Akinyi and Denzel Madiba. I will visit Lang’ata Children’s Home and spend time with the children and the management there, and later hit the gym. I have to stay focused and fit for the Nairobi Sevens.”
Harambee Stars midfielder Alpha Onyango
Alpha Onyango.
“Christmas is a special time to be with loved ones. I have invited the entire Onyango family to my place so we can spend the day together. Sharing this moment with my wife, son, and mother will be truly memorable.”
Harambee Stars midfielder Marvin Nabwire
“Keeping fit is very important to me, so I will start the day at the gym. After freshening up, eating, and taking a nap, I will spend the rest of the day indoors watching movies. I enjoy watching action, drama, and animated movies.”
Chess player Martin Njoroge
Martin Njoroge.
“I will spend Christmas Day with my nuclear family, but my holiday ends at lunch time. After that, I will shift focus to fine-tuning my chess tactics. My target is to win the 2025 Kenya National Chess Championships, which starts tomorrow.”
Malkia Strikers captain Meldina Sande
Meldina Sande training at Nairobi West Prisons grounds.
“I’m visiting my grandmother, Mary Kwoba, in Webuye, Bungoma County. She took care of me until I did my Form Four exams at Mukumu Girls High School in Kakamega. I have come for more blessings from her here, as I also thank her for her kindness, and of course, enjoy Luhya cuisines. Chicken, ‘chinunga’ , ‘mrenda’, and ‘mitoo and kunde are a must today. Later, I will visit my mother Ruth Kwoba in Emusire, Vihiga County, then back to Kigali in Rwanda, where I play for Rwanda Police.”
Violet Nanjala, Harambee Starlets striker
Harambee Starlets striker Violet Nanjala.
“I didn’t travel home due to commitments in the Saudi league where I play. I will forgo Christmas Day celebrations as the day is not observed here. But I will return home on Sunday for a brief family celebration after a league match planned for Friday.”
Harambee Starlets player Elizabeth Wambui
Elizabeth Wambui.
“I have no plans for Christmas Day due to the upcoming Kariakor derby in Tanzania between my club, Simba Queens, and Yanga Princess. Training continues as usual, as Christmas Day isn’t widely celebrated here.”
Kenya Under-20 women’s team striker Valarie Nekesa
“I will spend Christmas Day at home with family, resting and relaxing.”
Harambee Starlets player Enez Mango
Harambee Starlets defender Enez Mango in action during a previous match at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
“I returned home from Romania for a three-week break to celebrate Christmas Day, which happens to be my father’s birthday, here.”
Multiple Olympics and world champion Beatrice Chebet
Medalist Beatrice Chebet.
“I have taken a short break from training as I’m preparing for the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships set for January 10, 2026. I won’t be celebrating Christmas Day because of the tight training programme that I have.”
Valencia Marathon champ John Korir
Kenya's John Korir celebrates after winning the Valencia Marathon on December 7, 2025.
“It’s a small break for me, which came at the right time because I returned back from competing in the Valencia Marathon days ago. It is a day to be close to my family, which is my support system. We shall celebrate together as I reflect on the next three months of intense training ahead of 2026 Boston Marathon.”
World marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir
World Marathon Champion Peres Jepchirchir.
“Despite having started the season late, I’m happy because I finished on the podium in the last two races I competed in. I will celebrate Christmas Day with my family outside the country, and return to start training for the next race. I wish my fans and all Kenyans all the best on Christmas Day, and on New Year’s Day.”
World 10km record holder Agnes Jebet Ng’etich
Agnes Jebet Ng’etich.
“I will do my speed work sessions on Christmas Day, so it will be business as usual for me. I’m targeting a good run at the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships so as to finish on the podium, and I don’t have much time left because the competition is coming up on January 10.”
Boxer Sarah Achieng
Boxing Champion Sarah Achieng in action during a training session at the Kariobangi Social Hall on February 26, 2019. PHOTO| FRANCIS NDERITU
“My Christmas Day celebrations come early. I first visit Siaya, my birthplace, where I was until December 23. I always avoid the rush associated with Christmas Day by visiting Siaya early, especially to see my uncle Jabes Okwiri, who took care of us when my father passed away years ago. I will attend church service at the Anglican Church of Kenya in Kariobangi South on Christmas Day, then prepare lunch and dinner for my family.”
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