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Humphrey Kayange takes over as head of Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission
Humphrey Kayange casts his vote during National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) elections at Pride Inn hotel in Nairobi on December 9, 2021. He was was elected unopposed as male athlete representative.
What you need to know:
- He was instrumental in advocating for rugby’s return to the Olympic Games. In 2009, Kayange was among three representatives, including the late Jonah Lomu and Anastasia Khanova of Kazakhstan, who made the case before the IOC Congress in Denmark—a move that saw rugby sevens return to the Olympic stage at the 2016 Rio Games, for the first time since 1932.
Kenya’s Humphrey Kayange has been appointed as the new chairperson of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, replacing IOC President Kirsty Coventry.
Kayange, a former Kenya Sevens rugby captain and seasoned sports administrator, was appointed by former IOC President Thomas Bach following a request from Coventry.
The IOC confirmed in a statement that Coventry, a two-time Olympic gold medallist in swimming, stepped down from the role after her election as IOC President in March.
Kayange has been an IOC member and part of the Athletes’ Commission since 2021, and has served on the Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission since 2022. His new role will see him lead preparations for Africa’s first-ever Youth Olympic Games, scheduled for October 31 to November 13, 2026, in Senegal.
The IOC highlighted Kayange’s extensive experience in global sports governance, noting his current role on the Executive Committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and leadership positions in Kenyan sports, including as chairperson of the NOC-K Athletes’ Commission.
He also sits on the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) executive board and is a member of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) executive committee.
A biochemist by profession, Kayange was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2021, alongside notable names such as Osea Kolinisau, Huriana Manuel, Cheryl McAfee, Will Carling, and Jim Telfer.
He was instrumental in advocating for rugby’s return to the Olympic Games. In 2009, Kayange was among three representatives, including the late Jonah Lomu and Anastasia Khanova of Kazakhstan, who made the case before the IOC Congress in Denmark—a move that saw rugby sevens return to the Olympic stage at the 2016 Rio Games, for the first time since 1932.
“My vision is driven by empowering young athletes. I’m honoured to serve the Olympic Movement and help provide a platform for young people to pursue excellence,” said Kayange.
“Dakar 2026 will unite young athletes from around the world, celebrating African innovation and the Olympic spirit.”
NOC-K president Paul Tergat termed Kayange’s appointment as a proud and historic moment for the country and Olympic movement.
“Kayange has demonstrated exceptional track record of leadership and service, both on the field and beyond it,” said Tergat, noting that his elevation to this role, previously held by Coventry, reflects the growing confidence in African leadership at the highest levels of sport.
Tergat said that it is also a fitting recognition of his commitment to the values of Olympism and athlete empowerment.
“Dakar 2026 represents more than just a sporting event, it is a historic milestone, as Africa prepares to host its first-ever Olympic Games,” explained Tergat.
Tergat said that the Youth Olympic Games will serve as a powerful stage for young African athletes to showcase their talent, resilience, and spirit to the world.
