Jemimah Nakhumicha (left) of Kenya competes with Eryn Jenna Marais of South Africa in the 69kg category during the Africa Under17 Wrestling Championships in Casablanca, Morocco on April 30, 2025.
In 2022, at the tender age of 13, Jemimah Nakhumicha took the first step towards pursuing wrestling, a combat sport associated with men.
Now 16, she has risen from humble beginnings to become one of Kenya’s most promising talents in the sport, pickingup accolades along the way.
It is a journey that started from a chance encounter in Ruiru, Kiambu County, in 2022.
“I was sitting somewhere in Ruiru when coach Mahabila Mathayo spotted me and told me I should try wrestling. That’s how it all began,” she recalls at Wataalam Wrestling Club, Kiambu, where she trains.
At the time, Nakhumicha, who was born on March 23, 2009, was in Class Eight at Ruiru Primary School. She had no sporting background. Out of curiosity and with the encouragement of her parents, she followed Mahabila’s encouragement.
Jemimah Nakhumicha (left) of Kenya competes with Eryn Jenna Marais of South Africa in the 69kg category during the Africa Under17 Wrestling Championships in Casablanca, Morocco on April 30, 2025.
She travelled to Machungwa Wrestling Club in Sirende, Kitale, with the club for training sessions. Upon returning to Ruiru, she joined Wataalam Wrestling Club located at Kamiti Maximum Prison, where her transformation began.
Her first training session was so tough that she almost quit.
“I trained, went home, and slept well. But when I woke up, my whole body was aching,” recalls Nakhumicha, who will join Form Three at Githunguri High School next year.
“I told myself I’d never go back.”
Her coach refused to give up on her. After a week, Mahabila convinced her to return, reminding her that greatness required sacrifice.
“Watching the other wrestlers train made me want to continue,” she says.
It paid off as she was selected for the national age-group teams.
In September 2025, Nakhumicha travelled to Casablanca, Morocco, with the national team for the Under-15, U-17 and U-20 African Beach Wrestling Championships.
Competing in the Under-17 65kg category, she won a gold medal after an inspiring comeback. She had lost her opening bout 3-0 to Egypt’s Malak Khaled Fahmy, but bounced back to defeat South Africa’s Michelle Ashley Barnard 5-0, Senegal’s Mery Manga 3-0, and later beat Malak 3-0 in the final for revenge and victory.
“She was big and strong,” Nakhumicha says of her Egyptian opponent, “but I fought with determination.”
Before winning in Casablanca, Nakhumicha had already won silver at the African Championships (mat wrestling) and gold at the East African Wrestling Championships.
The firstborn in a family of two children, Nakhumicha, comes from a modest family in Kimilili, Bungoma County.
“It takes long before my parents can buy me a kit because of financial constraints,” she explains.
Jemimah Nakhumicha (left) of Kenya and gold medallist Eryn Jenna Marais of South Africa after their 69kg category contest during the Africa Under17 Wrestling Championships in Casablanca, Morocco on April 30, 2025.
“Sometimes I train with torn gear. I got my first proper training kit from Beat the Streets, a US-based youth programme,” says the wrestler.
Despite challenges, wrestling has given her discipline and direction.
“It’s made me strong, kept me from bad company, and taught me respect and teamwork.”
Her parents, initially hesitant about her safety and studies, now fully support her dream after seeing her dedication. Nakhumicha’s daily routine reflects her commitment. She wakes at 4 am, runs, practices wrestling, studies, and then heads to school. After classes, she trains again in the evening. “I follow my timetable strictly,” she says. “When it’s time for schoolwork, I focus on it. When it’s time for wrestling, I do wrestling. That’s how I’ve planned my time.”
Her diet is simple — beans, eggs, and vegetables — but it fuels her ambitions. Her role model is her coach. “I want to reach his level, even pass it,” she says of Mahabila, who is also from Kimilili and dreams of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“Nakhumicha was very weak when I found her,” notes Mahabila. “Now she’s one of the best. Wrestling takes time. I believe she can win gold at the 2025 African Youth Games.”
Nakhumicha dreams of representing Kenya at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games and making wrestling her lifelong career.
“It takes sacrifice, hard work, prayers, and respect for your parents and coaches,” she advises. “There are challenges in every sport, but wrestling is not bad. Try it and work hard.”
Back in Kimilili, and at school, she is now a local hero.
“When I came back from Casablanca, the school welcomed me warmly and even gifted me a new uniform,” she says.
From the dusty streets of Ruiru to the golden sands of Casablanca, Nakhumicha’s journey is one of resilience, mentorship, and faith. She is writing her story, one match at a time.
