By Robert Kibet
NAIROBI, August 8, 2025 — The ascension of Barnaba Korir to the position of First Vice President at the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) marks a significant milestone not just for the sporting body, but for Kenya’s youth athletics development.
A tireless advocate for nurturing young talent, Korir has been the face of grassroots athletics development for years, serving as Athletics Kenya’s Youth Development Director.
His elevation to the NOCK leadership presents an opportunity to institutionalize youth-focused programs that have already started bearing global fruits.
Under his stewardship, Kenya’s visibility in global youth athletics has risen tremendously. This year, Kenya was crowned the winner of the World Athletics Kids Athletics Activation, a recognition that placed the country at the center of global discussions on early talent nurturing.
The accolade was a direct result of strategic grassroots mobilization led by Korir , including school-based engagements, community activations, and mentorship structures.
“Kenya has the talent; what we need is to structure it early and support it all the way. As First Vice President, I intend to rally federations to build an industry where youth talent is not just celebrated but elevated into meaningful careers,” said Korir in an earlier interview.
His passion has often gone beyond boardroom leadership. At this year’s Sirikwa Classic Cross Country, Korir was captured embracing a young boy who had just crossed the finish line , a spontaneous moment that symbolized his investment in every emerging athlete.
More recently, during the national athletics trials at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Korir ensured that a young girl , who wowed spectators with her raw talent , received full training kits and mentorship support, a gesture that resonated across the athletics fraternity.
With his new role at NOCK, Korir plans to deepen such youth-centered programs and link them to Olympic pathways. The popular Under-20 holiday training camps and Kids Athletics programs he pioneered are expected to receive stronger national backing, while new partnerships with counties and sponsors are in the pipeline.
As he takes the baton at NOCK, many believe Korir’s unique blend of grassroots connection and strategic vision will not only elevate youth athletics but position Kenya as a model for global sports development.
