Former Kenya Sevens captain and rugby legend Humphrey Kayange has been appointed Chair of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission for the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, Senegal.
The announcement was made by IOC President Thomas Bach, following a request from President-elect Kirsty Coventry, who stepped down from the role after her election to lead the global Olympic body in March.
Kayange, who has served as a member of the Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission since 2022, now steps up to lead preparations for the first-ever Olympic event to be held on African soil.
“For me, it’s about 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,” said the former Kenya Sevens star.
In his new role, Kayange will work closely with National Olympic Committees, International Federations, and local authorities to ensure the smooth planning and delivery of the games, scheduled to take place from 31 October to mid-November 2026.
The Games will be staged across three locations—Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly—welcoming athletes aged 17 and under from around the world.
Kayange is no stranger to international leadership. He has been an IOC member and part of its Athletes’ Commission since 2021.
His experience also includes anti-doping governance through the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), as well as national roles such as Chair of the Kenyan NOC Athletes’ Commission and Executive Board member of both the Kenya Rugby Union and the Kenya Academy of Sports.
He captained the Kenya Sevens team for over a decade, led them to victory at the 2016 Singapore Sevens, and represented Kenya at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
