Athletics Kenya (AK) President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei has encouraged Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) to consider broadening its support for youth athletics by investing more extensively in the federation’s nationwide school holiday training camps.
Speaking during the official launch of the KCB–AK partnership for the National Championships and Trials, Tuwei warmly commended the bank for its existing investment in nurturing student-athletes. He further urged KCB to extend its reach beyond individual institutions to benefit aspiring athletes in all 47 counties.
“You’ve done well to support students from one school. But Kenya has 47 counties and many more deserving talents,” he noted.
Currently, Athletics Kenya runs more than 55 holiday youth camps across the country during every school break. These camps provide structured training, mentorship, and vital exposure—often serving as the first step in a young athlete’s journey toward excellence. They have become a critical pathway for identifying and developing future champions.
“There’s not a single county without a youth camp,” Tuwei explained. “These are our future stars. Supporting them is how we prepare for future Olympics and World Championships. Let’s widen the impact and give every talented child a chance, wherever they come from.”
He also emphasized that building lasting partnerships in athletics goes beyond competition. It should include life skills, mentorship, and financial education to help young athletes navigate their careers confidently both on and off the track.
KCB, through its student-athlete sponsorship programme, has already made commendable progress. The bank currently supports 50 promising young runners from 12 counties, providing a blend of quality education and professional coaching through institutions such as the Transcend Talent Academy founded by former marathoner Wilson Korir.
“This is not just about running, it’s about creating future leaders, giving them education, mentorship, and pride in who they are,” said Mendi Njonjo, Director of the KCB Foundation. She reaffirmed the bank’s belief in the transformative power of sport and its long-term commitment to youth development.
During the launch, a group of student-athletes currently enrolled at Transcend Talent Academy took to the stage, proudly representing the programme’s success. “These athletes are proof that deep talent exists all over Kenya. What they need is opportunity,” Njonjo added.
KCB Foundation is also working to ensure inclusivity by extending support to student-athletes with disabilities. This includes the provision of assistive devices and personal care, aimed at offering equal opportunities for all on the track and in life.
As Kenya looks ahead to future global competitions, Tuwei’s appeal serves as both a vision and a call to action urging stakeholders to play a role in safeguarding the country’s rich athletic legacy through shared responsibility and long-term investment.
“We are now home again, and we’re grateful,” he concluded. “Let’s make this home bigger and open it to every young athlete dreaming of flying the Kenyan flag.”
By Robert Kibet -Freelance journalist
