Kenya has been awarded a major weightlifting event ©Getty Images

Kenya has been awarded the hosting rights for this year's African Junior and Youth Weightlifting Championships.

Competition is scheduled for capital city Nairobi between December 7 and 11, with lifters due to battle for continental bragging rights.

At least 12 countries are expected to compete in Nairobi, including the hosts, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritius and Madagascar.

Ten weight classes for men and 10 for women will be on the programme.

Egypt topped the medal on home soil last year, winning 11 golds in Cairo.

"Kenya weightlifting is scheduled to host the African Junior and Youth Weightlifting Championships in Nairobi in December," said National Olympic Committee of Kenya President Paul Tergat, according to The Standard.