Kenya’s women’s volleyball queens, the Malkia Strikers, got off their FIVB World Volleyball Championships on the wrong footing, succumbing to a 3-0 set defeat to Germany on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

The clash staged at the Saphan Hin Municipal Stadium in Phuket, Thailand, kicked off on with Kenya battling their European rival in close quarters.

The team, however, fell short late in the set, losing on a narrow 22-25 scoreline.

The African champions, however, suffered a costly dip in the second set as Germany steamrolled them in a one-sided encounter, winning the set 25-8.

 The superiorly ranked Germans (ranked 12th in the FIVB World Rankings) wrapped up the test in the final set by edging the Strikers 25-20.

Defeated

“Germany defeated Kenya 3-0 at the FIVB World Championships (25-22, 25-8, 25-20). Strong fight in Sets 1 & 3, but a lapse in Set 2 proved costly. Lessons learned, heads high — the journey continues for the Malkia Strikers,” a statement from the Kenya Volleyball Federation stated.

The defeat comes just a day after the team lamented a lack of funding ahead of the crucial continental games, according to renowned sports journalist Caroll Radull.

The team decried delayed allowances ahead of the championships in Thailand, even going ahead and sending an appeal to President William Ruto to intervene on the matter.

According to Radull, funds from the team’s betting partner were partly used to cover for kits and other logistical costs. The players maintained their personal allowances remained uncleared, leaving them frustrated and distracted at a critical time.

The Malkia Strikers’ plea to the government came barely a day after the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda, who called for equal talent recognition as Kenya hosts the 2024 African Nations Championship alongside Tanzania and Uganda.

Kenya now shifts focus to Monday, 25 August, when they clash against the formidable European giants Poland.

The team will conclude its pool test against Vietnam on Wednesday, 27 August.

Strikers under coach, Geoffrey Omondi, are placed in a tough Pool G alongside Poland, Germany, and Vietnam