NAIROBI, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Kenya will be among the few nations to send a large contingent to the 12th edition of the Africa Games, with 290 athletes and officials heading to Rabat, Morocco from August 16 to 31.

Chef de Mission Ndiritu Gikaria on Tuesday said the country's team will face a huge challenge to overhaul their last mark in Brazzaville, Congo in 2015, when Kenya scooped 43 medals, with seven golds, 19 silvers and 17 bronzes to finish sixth overall.

Team Executive Officer Charles Nyaberi exuded confidence that his charges would do well in Morocco.

"We have the capacity to challenge for top honors and we have experienced players in all disciplines," Nyaberi said.

Kenya will field teams in 21 disciplines, including athletics, archery and badminton.

"The beach volleyball and swimming teams are training in Mombasa. Half of the Kenya contingent has already reported for residential training," Nyaberi said.

Previously known as the All Africa Games, the African Games is a continental multi-sport event held every four years - one year before the Olympic Games.