Nandi:More than 100 coaches from Nandi County have embarked on a five-day intensive training program under the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS). This initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to enhance grassroots talent development ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
According to Kenya News Agency, the training is organized by the Ministry of Sports through KAS and is aimed at 30 football coaches, 60 volleyball coaches, and 60 athletics coaches from across the county. KAS Director of Research John Okwemba stated that the program is designed to equip local coaches with modern techniques to nurture youth talent, particularly focusing on under-17 players who often lack structured training after leaving school.
John Okwemba highlighted the establishment of 37 sports academies nationwide, noting that coaches undergoing this training could be recruited to teach in these academies. He emphasized that the academies provide a pathway for young athletes aspiring to join elite leagues.
The training in Nandi coincides with preparations in three North Rift counties to host inter-county tournaments for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Uasin Gishu County. Nandi County Commissioner Wilberforce Kilonzo announced that Nandi will host volleyball, Uasin Gishu will host football, and Elgeyo Marakwet will host a marathon.
Koitalel University in Nandi is set to host the volleyball finals, while Eldoret will host the football finals immediately following the President’s Mashujaa Day address. Elgeyo Marakwet’s marathon, scheduled for October 19, is expected to attract top long-distance runners from the region.
The KAS initiative is part of a broader government strategy to decentralize sports development, strengthen talent identification at the county level, and create a seamless transition for young sports talent from school to elite competition.
