Kenya’s men’s volleyball club, Chema VC, went down to the Rwandan REG in the men’s final of the 25th edition of Rwanda’s Genocide Memorial tournament held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in the Petit Stade Kigali in Rwanda.

The Juja-based club wrapped up their maiden participation in the invitational tourney on a 3-1 set defeat to REG to conclude as the losing finalist.

In what was nothing short of a spirited display, Chema took the first set on a 25-18 score line before the hosts hit back with two straight sets to turn the tie on its head.

KPA Takes bronze

A nervy, decisive fourth set saw the Rwandese club prove their edge with thrilling grit and fierce offensive spikes to end the Kenyans’ resolve in the game.

In a statement after the final showdown, the club hailed what was a historic appearance in the regional tournament.

Gave everything

“In an intense and electric showdown at Petit Stade, our incredible run at the Genocide Memorial Tournament 2025 came to an end after falling to hosts Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in the men’s final.

Despite giving everything on the court, we were edged out by a more experienced REG side, who used their home advantage and solid composure to secure the title.,” a statement from the club media page stated.

Meanwhile, Kenya Ports Authroty (KPA), who lost to their counterparts in the semifinal, took home the bronze medal after edging Uganda’s Chazipir in the third-place play-offs.

The club also featured players recognised for individual accolades, with Hudson Kipchumba taking home the Best Libero title and Joshua Kamiru named the best attacker.

The GMT tournament kicked off on Friday, June 20, and concluded on Sunday. It was staged in honour of the volleyball community members killed in the 1994 Genocide.