ELDORET, Kenya – A bold plan is being proposed to introduce sports education and establish museums as a way of preserving and passing on Kenya’s rich athletics heritage.
The Uasin Gishu County Department of Sports is currently engaging stakeholders in discussions aimed at integrating sports courses into various levels of the Kenyan education.
Speaking during a meeting of veteran athletes in Eldoret, County Executive for Sports, Robert Kemei, emphasised the immeasurable value that retired athletes have contributed to the country.
“We are working on a raft of plans, including introducing classes where these retired athletes can lecture and share their experiences with our sons and daughters at different educational levels,” said Kemei.
British author and journalist Shatish Sekar echoed the sentiment, noting that the stories of retired Kenyan champions must be documented and shared to inspire continued excellence in athletics.
Among those who attended the event were Kenya’s pioneering Olympian and “father of athletics” Kipchoge Keino, and trailblazing female Olympian Tecla Chemabwai, among many other legends of the sport.
Why Eldoret City is significant in sports
Since Amos Biwott secured Kenya’s first Olympic gold medal at the 1968 Mexico Games, the country has become renowned for its dominance—particularly in the 3000m steeplechase—earning global acclaim.
Eldoret City, often referred to as the “global medal cabinet,” boasts the highest concentration of Olympic, Commonwealth, and World Championship medals per square kilometre in the world.
Kemei affirmed that under the leadership of Governor Jonathan Bii, the county remains committed to identifying, nurturing, and supporting talent.
He also highlighted efforts to fast-track the completion of key sports infrastructure.
“The governor is working tirelessly to ensure the modernisation of Kipchoge Stadium is completed. As for 64 Stadium, we encountered some technical challenges during expansion, but work is set to resume shortly,” Kemei said.
How retired athletes can be of importance
Additionally, the County plans to collaborate with stakeholders to organise forums where retired athletes can mentor active competitors—particularly on the dangers of using performance-enhancing substances, commonly referred to as doping.
Kemei was accompanied by the County Chief Officers for CPA Victorine Kapkiai (Youth and Sports) and CPA Nathan Korir (ICT and Innovation).
Meanwhile, Kemei, the newly sworn-in County Executive for Sports, Youth Affairs, ICT, and Innovation, also underscored teamwork and dedication as key drivers of excellence in service delivery.
“The youth need access to ICT pathways to explore opportunities in the expansive digital space. That’s exactly what Governor Bii envisions in his youth agenda, and we are ready to deliver,” Kemei said as he formally took charge as head of the department.
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