The volleyball and sports community in Kenya has come together to honor the life and legacy of Janet Wanja, one of the country’s most celebrated volleyball players, who succumbed to gallbladder cancer on Friday. Kenya Pipeline Volleyball Club, where Wanja spent most of her career, announced plans to retire her iconic jersey number 7, marking her enduring influence on the sport.
Wanja, who played for Kenya Pipeline from 2005 to 2019, is remembered as a leader both on and off the court. Her exceptional career included four Kenya National Volleyball League titles and ten African Club Championship medals. The announcement to retire her jersey is a gesture of reverence for her contribution to Kenyan volleyball.
“Wanja was not just a player; she was an icon and a mentor. Retiring her jersey is our way of ensuring her legacy lives on,” said Joe Sang, Managing Director of Kenya Pipeline Company.
A Nation Mourns a National Treasure
Janet Wanja was not only a star for Kenya Pipeline but also a linchpin of the Malkia Strikers, Kenya’s national women’s volleyball team. From her debut at the 2004 Athens Olympics to her role as a trainer at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Wanja’s career spanned nearly two decades of excellence.
Her passing has drawn an outpouring of tributes from across the sports spectrum. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta described her as a trailblazer who inspired young athletes through her resilience and dedication.
“Wanja was more than an athlete. She symbolized strength and excellence, uplifting Kenyan volleyball on the global stage,” Uhuru said.
Kenya Pipeline, in its tribute, emphasized her role as a mentor to emerging players, while also highlighting her leadership on the court, where she became the face of volleyball in Kenya alongside teammates like Jane Wacu and Mercy Moim.
Legacy Beyond Volleyball
Wanja’s influence was not confined to her accomplishments in volleyball. Known for her charisma and elegance, she inspired many beyond the sport. Her teammates and friends recall her as a vibrant personality who brought positivity to everyone she interacted with.
As the volleyball community continues to celebrate her life, the decision to retire her jersey and immortalize her achievements serves as a reminder of the impact she had on Kenyan sports. Her life and career are a testament to what is possible through dedication, resilience, and a love for the game.
Janet Wanja may have left the court, but her legacy as a trailblazer and national treasure will resonate for generations.
