Former rugby player and current member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Humphrey Kayange, has been appointed Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026. His appointment was made by IOC President Thomas Bach, following the resignation of Kirsty Coventry, who stepped down after being elected president of the organization in March. The news reinforces the Olympic Movement’s commitment to sports development in Africa and to the leadership of athletes with direct experience in high-level competition.
Kayange, who represented Kenya for over a decade in rugby sevens, has an outstanding record both on the field and in sports management. Captain of the national team and medalist in international tournaments, he competed at Rio 2016 and was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2023. Since 2021, he has been a member of the IOC and the Athletes’ Commission, and since 2022, he has been part of the Coordination Commission for Dakar. Now, he will play a key role in the planning of the first Olympic event to be held on African soil.
A sports figure with vision for African youth
Humphrey Kayange will lead coordination efforts with the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee, working alongside International Federations, National Olympic Committees, local authorities, and other stakeholders of the Olympic Movement. His role will be essential in ensuring that the Games are delivered according to IOC standards, with a central focus on the positive impact on the continent’s youth. Dakar 2026 will take place from 31 October to 13 November, with events held in three locations: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.
Aware of the symbolism this event carries, Kayange expressed his wish to empower young athletes and promote African innovation. “It is an honour for me to serve the Olympic Movement and help provide a platform for young people to reach excellence,” he said after his appointment. The Kenyan will chair the next meeting of the Coordination Commission in Senegal on 7 and 8 May, where he will begin outlining the path toward an event that will mark a turning point for youth Olympic sport and for the entire African continent.
