Humphrey Kayange, former captain of the Kenyan national rugby team, has been appointed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the new chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026 in Senegal.
Outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach appointed Kayange, an IOC Member, following a request from President-elect Kirsty Coventry, who stepped down from her position as Chair of the Commission after her election as IOC President in March.
In a release issued by the IOC on Wednesday, April 30, it was noted that Kayange represented Kenya in rugby sevens for 10 years, captaining the national team, winning the Singapore Sevens in 2016, and competing at the Olympic Games Rio 2016. His leadership on the field earned him recognition in the World Rugby Sevens Series and a 2023 World Rugby Hall of Fame induction. It is on record that Kayande’s accolades are extensive, including captaining Kenya to their maiden cup final during the 2009 IRB World 7s Circuit leg of Adelaide and leading the team to the historic semifinals of the Rugby World Cup 7s the same year. In 2012, he was honoured with the Order of the Golden Warrior (OGW) by President Mwai Kibaki. In 2021, he made history as the first Kenyan to be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
An IOC Member and Athletes’ Commission member since 2021, Kayange has been a member of the Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026 since 2022. He brings further experience through his role on the Executive Committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and leadership positions in sports administration, including Chair of the Kenyan NOC Athletes’ Commission, Executive Board member of the Kenya Academy of Sports, and Kenya Rugby Union.
As Chair of the Coordination Commission, Kayange will lead efforts to support the YOGOC in the planning and delivery of the YOG Dakar 2026. Working closely with National Olympic Committees, International Federations, Olympic Movement stakeholders, and local authorities, his role will be key in ensuring that all aspects of the project are developed and executed to deliver the first Olympic sporting event to be hosted on the African continent.
On his appointment as Chair, Kayange said: “My vision is driven by empowering young athletes. I’m honoured to serve the Olympic Movement and help provide a platform for young people to pursue excellence. Dakar 2026 will unite young athletes from around the world, celebrating African innovation and the Olympic spirit.”
Kayange will chair the upcoming Coordination Commission meeting in Dakar, Senegal on May 7 and 8, which will also be attended by the IOC President-elect.
The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place for two weeks from October 31, bringing together the world’s best young athletes aged up to 17 years. The Games will be held across three host sites: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.