Former Kenya Sevens rugby captain and respected sports administrator Humphrey Kayange has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
He replaces Kirsty Coventry, who vacated the position following her election as IOC President in March.
The appointment was made by former IOC President Thomas Bach at Coventry’s request, and confirmed by the IOC in an official statement.
Kayange, who has been an IOC member and part of the Athletes’ Commission since 2021, joined the Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission in 2022.
In his new role, he will oversee preparations for the first-ever Youth Olympic Games to be held in Africa, scheduled for October 31 to November 13, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal.
The IOC praised Kayange’s deep experience in global sports governance.
Kirsty Coventry.
In addition to his IOC responsibilities, he serves on the Executive Committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), chairs the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) Athletes’ Commission, and sits on the executive boards of the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) and the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).
A trained biochemist, Kayange was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2021, joining the ranks of rugby legends like Osea Kolinisau, Cheryl McAfee, and Will Carling.
He played a pivotal role in rugby sevens’ reinstatement to the Olympic Games.
In 2009, alongside the late Jonah Lomu and Anastasia Khanova, Kayange addressed the IOC Congress in Denmark—an effort that led to rugby’s Olympic return at Rio 2016 after an 84-year absence.
Kayange’s days as a player.
Speaking on his appointment, 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,” he added.
