NAIROBI, Kenya, November 6, 2026 – Athletics Kenya (AK) youth development director Barnaba Korir says they are working closely with schools to identify and raise talents from the kindergarten level.
Korir says the talents will be provided with as much opportunity to enjoy themselves before they are allowed to choose their specialty at the appropriate time.
“That is also the strategy from Athletics Kenya and also World Athletics that we introduce athletics at the kindergarten so that as they grow they will define which competition they prefer. From there now it becomes part of their life, focusing on running, on nurturing talent and especially preparation also to go to schools like the universities,” he said.
Korir further said athletics talents in Kenya have a myriad opportunities to further their careers, including scholarships in foreign universities.
“Maybe, when they grow up, they can go to American universities or any other universities over by other countries,” Korir, also an AK Executive Committee member said.
He was speaking on Thursday, on the sidelines of the launch of the fifth edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country in Eldoret.
Korir exalted the impact of the World Athletics Gold Label competition, pointing to youngsters who have honed their skills at the event through the years.
“It has really been a very important event, guiding and supporting both the younger talent and the seniors. There are two students who managed to make the team to compete for this country this year in Florida (World Cross Country Championships). One of them actually was number four and the girl was number four,” he said.
Korir added: “We had also those school going children who were participating during the secondary schools and primary schools championships in East Africa.
The next edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country will be held on December 5 this year, with close to 10,000 kid athletes expected to participate.
