Athletics Kenya’s youth holiday training camps are turning dreams into reality for young athletes who previously had limited opportunities to train. In the heart of Baringo County, one such camp, hosted at Kituro Primary School, is making a significant impact. Athletes, particularly from the distant and often insecure Tiaty region, are traveling many kilometers to access the training facilities, and in doing so, they are paving the way for a brighter future in athletics.
The camp, run by Athletics Kenya’s Youth Development Department, provides a secure and supportive environment for athletes from Tiaty, an area often plagued by security concerns. Despite the challenges of distance and insecurity, these young athletes remain determined to pursue their athletic potential.
During a visit by Athletics Kenya Youth Development Director Barnabas Korir over the weekend ,several athletes shared their experiences of the camp and the profound impact it has had on their lives.
Joseph Lomilia, a talented athlete from Tiaty, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to train at the camp. “Training here has been a dream come true for me,” Lomilia said. “Coming from a place where opportunities are scarce in Pokot, this camp has given me a chance to push myself in ways I never thought possible. We come from the interior, from areas where security is often a concern, and this place feels like an open door to a brighter future. When we return home, we’ll tell them about the possibilities we’ve seen here and we’ll make sure they know it’s possible.”
Lomilia also emphasized the value of the camp’s facilities and how it is shaping the athletes for success. “I thank Athletics Kenya for the visit and enabling us to train here. We traveled several kilometers just to come and train, and it has all been worth it.”
Mercy Chepchumba, another athlete training at the camp, highlighted how much she has learned since joining the program. “Every day has been a step forward,” she said. “The camp has taught me more than just endurance; it’s been about learning technique, discipline, and training, things I didn’t know much about before. It’s been life-changing, and I’m grateful for every lesson and every challenge. This camp has opened doors I never imagined were possible.”
Athletics Kenya’s commitment to improving the future of Kenyan athletics was clearly visible during the visit. Korir emphasized the importance of both athletics and education. “I encourage all the athletes here to prioritize their education. Academic success and sports go hand in hand, and it will prepare them for future opportunities both on and off the track.”
Korir also spoke about the need for further development of infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of talented young athletes. “With an increasing number of talented athletes, we recognize the need to improve infrastructure across all our youth training camps. Athletics Kenya is committed to ensuring that these camps are well-equipped to support the growth of our athletes,” he added.
In a bid to provide even greater support to the athletes, Korir shared exciting news about a new initiative. “I’m also pleased to announce that the funds raised from gate ticket collections at the Kip Keino Classic will be used to acquire essential training gear, such as shoes, for athletes in these camps. This initiative is a step toward providing the necessary resources for youth to unlock their full potential.”
Athletics Kenya’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to nurturing talent across the country. By investing in youth development and ensuring access to the right resources, the organization is laying the foundation for the next generation of Kenyan athletics stars.
“We are dedicated to nurturing talent across Kenya,” said Korir. “Our aim is to ensure that every athlete has the opportunity to succeed and represent the future of Kenyan athletics on the global stage.”
As the camp continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of sports in transforming lives, especially for those from remote and underserved areas. For athletes like Joseph Lomilia and Mercy Chepchumba, these camps are not just about training, they are about breaking barriers, finding hope, and unlocking the door to a future filled with possibilities.
