This archive report was first published on 19 December 2019.
December 19, 2019
Kenya's athletics scene has long been dominated by individual commitment and limited resources, but the establishment of 14 training camps is set to change this narrative.
The camps, established in preparation for the World Under-20 Championships, are a welcome development in the country's athletics history. By providing a structured conveyor belt for athletes to transition from junior ranks to the top level, these camps aim to address the perennial problem of lack of identification, nurturing, and transition of athletes.
During a recent tour of the camps, I witnessed firsthand the enthusiasm displayed by athletes and their handlers in the hunt for tickets to represent the country at the global showpiece. The camps in Central Kenya, particularly in Nyeri, and Nyanza South, in Kisii, were particularly vibrant.
The region of Nyeri, which has had little to show despite years of dominance, is experiencing a rebirth. The likes of John Ngugi, Douglas Wakiihuri, Charles Kamathi, Catherine Ndereba, Martin Irungua, and Veronica Nyaruai have been succeeded by inconsistent spells, leaving the region with a limited number of athletes to boast the likes of Bedan Karoki and Margaret Nyairera.
Similarly, Kisii has had limited successes lately, but the ongoing camp at Mogonga Secondary School is expected to change this matrix.
It is unfortunate that the camps established during the preparations for the World Under-17 Championships two years ago were not maintained. However, all is not lost, and I believe that the current camps are on the right track.
The government, through the Ministry of Sports, deserves appreciation for the resources provided so far in preparations for the World U-20. My hope is that these camps will be maintained beyond 2020, ensuring that we are not caught off guard in the next few years.
As Athletics Kenya, we are ready to partner with the government, our branches, and learning institutions in furthering this idea. Imagine having these teenagers mentored, monitored, and facilitated until they hit their potential!
The camps have a holistic approach, combining track and field events with education, now that all of them are centred in a school setup.
