Fencing finds new hope in Kenya

German-born Kenyan fencer and Olympian Alexandra Ndolo is on a week-long working tour, during which she will engage with various stakeholders to promote the sport, which is still considered relatively elitist.

The 37-year-old Bavaria-born athlete visited Kibera slums on Tuesday in a mission to spread the gospel of fencing and share tips with curious young enthusiasts from Olympic Primary School and the local NGO Anno’s One Fine Day.

Her series of engagements is supported by the French Embassy in Nairobi, alongside Absolute Fencing. Among the highlights will be a photo exhibition and film screening at the Alliance Française.

“Working with young kids is just a lovely experience because they are good listeners. They are also honest with feedback and will be direct if they do not like something or if they are curious about another topic.

“Coming to a place like Kibera, where such activities are rare, makes me happy, as there seems to be genuine interest. My goal here is to build a pathway for the growth of the sport and to support future fencers,” she stated after leading a one-hour session, assisted by local coach Ashley Ngoiri.

The theme of her events in Nairobi, “From the Olympics to Nairobi: Bringing Fencing Back to Nairobi,” aptly encapsulates her experience from every angle.

Having fenced in Germany for 15 years, she is now able to compare European and Kenyan systems.

“I fenced for Germany for 15 years, so I have experience and can compare the European systems with the Kenyan system. There is certainly talent here, but there is a lack of opportunities and perhaps funding.

“With the availability of equipment, it will be easier to see how far the sport can go, as there is a hunger for it,” stated the former military officer with a background in medical studies from Cologne University.

“We need to dream big, and for me, sharing this knowledge with the kids is great. I do not want to be the last Olympian or African Champion; we can build for the future. I have the chance to educate the young ones so that we have the best in the coming years. As an ambassador for the sport in Kenya, all I want to do is inspire. My passion for this sport has fueled my journey here, and thanks to my partners, we can see this be a success. I will partner with more companies and return to do more of these initiatives,” added the TSV Bayer Leverkusen fencing club member.

On a personal note, she still harbours a sense of regret about her missed opportunities in Paris but has set her sights on the Los Angeles Summer Games in 2028 for another shot. At the same time, she hopes to spread the sport to her father’s ancestral home in Kisumu County, given the opportunity in the near future.