Beyond her playing career, Wanja contributed significantly as the national team trainer and as a gym instructor at her former club, Kenya Pipeline.
Kenyan volleyball legend Janet Wanja has sadly passed away after a brave battle with gallbladder cancer. Wanja, one of the most decorated players in Malkia Strikers history, fell ill shortly after returning from the Paris Olympics, where she served as the team’s fitness coach.
In a statement, her brother Kevin Kimani announced that, “The family of Janet Wanja would like to announce her passing on after a brave battle with gallbladder cancer. Our sincere and deepest gratitude goes out to Kenya Pipeline Company for walking the journey with us from the beginning, and tirelessly providing all she needed in terms of medical support.
Special thank you to all our friends, Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) and Football Kenya Federation (FKF).”
A proud alumna of Mukumu Girls High School, Wanja made her international debut in 2004 at the Athens Olympic Games in Greece. In 2007, she played a pivotal role in Kenya’s victory at the African Volleyball Championship, where the team secured its seventh continental title on home soil. It was at this tournament that she was named the best setter.
Throughout her remarkable 15-year career with the national team, the now 40-year-old earned five African titles, three African Games gold medals and a World Grand Prix victory in 2015. She also represented Kenya at five World Championship editions.
Beyond her playing career, Wanja contributed significantly as the national team trainer and as a gym instructor at her former club, Kenya Pipeline. She was also the sister of former Kenya international and Mathare United footballer Kevin Kimani.
May her soul rest in peace.