Makuto: What Kenya can learn from Rwanda’s professional volleyball system
Kenyan international Elphas Makuto has lauded Rwanda’s professional volleyball structure after a successful season with Rwanda National Police VC, urging Kenya to adopt similar systems in contract enforcement, player welfare, and focus on indoor volleyball.
Kenyan international volleyball star Elphas Makuto has praised Rwanda’s volleyball system, urging Kenya to adopt key elements of its professional approach to grow the sport.
Makuto, who joined Rwanda National Police VC in November 2024 on a one-year deal, enjoyed a standout season in Kigali. He was named Best Attacker and helped his team to a silver medal finish in the Rwandan National Volleyball League.
Although his side narrowly lost the title to Sammy Mulinge's APR in a tightly contested best-of-three final, Makuto’s impact was clear.
Regarded as one of Kenya’s top opposite hitters, Makuto is also a key figure in the national beach volleyball team and a driving force behind Kenya Prisons’ recent successes.
Speaking to KVF Media, Makuto highlighted the professionalism embedded in Rwanda’s volleyball system, from strict contractual requirements to player welfare monitoring and a clear commitment to indoor volleyball.
“Professionalism. Every player must have a valid contract; no paper, no play. The Rwandan Volleyball Federation (RVF) follows up on welfare and holds clubs accountable,” he said.
“Even the courts? Strictly indoor, high standard. Outdoor volleyball is completely banned.”
Makuto also spoke about the intensity of the Rwandan transfer window, where clubs aggressively pursue top talent.
“It’s crazy! Teams go head-to-head with offers. It’s fully professional. The transfer window is on and the best deal signs the best talent,” he added.
For Makuto, the biggest lesson for Kenya is the need to fully shift its focus to indoor volleyball.
“In 2022/23 we did just that and growth followed. Going back to outdoor? Like switching off the lights and hoping to win in the dark,” he said.
When asked about improving Kenya’s volleyball structure, Makuto stressed the importance of proper league planning. He believes teams should receive the full fixture list and venue schedule ahead of the season and align with international calendars like those of the CAVB and FIVB.
“That’s how pros operate,” he said.
Asked if he would ever return to outdoor volleyball, Makuto laughed:
“I’d literally fall sick.”
Kenyan Standouts in Rwanda
Makuto was not the only Kenyan to impress in Rwanda this season.
In the men’s division, Wafalme Stars player Dennis Esokon Ireke of APR VC was crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) after consistent performances, including a pivotal role in the finals.
On the women’s side, Meldina Sande, an outside hitter formerly with Kenya Prisons, led Police WVC to a historic season in her debut campaign. She walked away with both the Best Attacker and MVP honours.
Meldina Sande was simply unstoppable. The Kenyan star claims both MVP and Best Attacker as she powers Police Women to the 2024/25 Rwandan League title. Dominance defined pic.twitter.com/PXhb4UTCh5
— Kenya Volleyball Federation (@KenyaVolley) May 12, 2025
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