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Humphrey Kayange
Kayange, a former captain of Kenya’s rugby sevens team and a 2023 inductee into the World Rugby Hall of Fame, takes over from outgoing chair Kirsty Coventry, who stepped down following her election as IOC president in March.
The appointment was made by current IOC president Thomas Bach at Coventry’s recommendation.
The 2026 Dakar YOG will mark the first Olympic event ever held on African soil, making Kayange’s leadership pivotal in ensuring its success. As chair, he will oversee preparations, working closely with the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (YOGOC), Senegalese authorities and international sports federations.
“My vision is driven by empowering young athletes,” Kayange said in a statement.
“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 brings extensive experience to the role, having served on the Coordination Commission since 2022.
A member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission since 2021, he also holds leadership positions with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and Kenya’s National Olympic Committee.
His first major task will be leading the Coordination Commission’s upcoming meeting in Dakar on May 7-8, which will be attended by president-elect Coventry.
The discussions will focus on finalising operational plans for the Games, set to run from October 31 to November 15, 2026, across three host cities, Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.
Preparations are already in full swing in a bid to deliver a historic event for Africa and the Olympic Movement.
