By F, KNA
Athletics Kenya (AK) President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jack Tuwei, has reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to nurturing talent, protecting the integrity of the sport among emerging social challenges in the sports.
Gen Tuwei made the remarks in a press briefing as preparations for the Sirikwa Classic World Athletics Cross Country set for 14th February 2026 at Lobo Village, Kapseret Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County intensify
During the media briefing, Tuwei revealed that Athletics Kenya has established more than 57 talent development camps across the country aimed at identifying and nurturing young athletes.
Tuwei attributed the recent success among upcoming athletes directly to these camps, emphasizing the need for fairness and transparency in athlete selection.
“We must select genuine talent, not relatives or friends. These camps are funded by the government, and we all take pride in them. It is our responsibility to protect and sustain this investment,” Tuwei said.
However, the AK President raised concern over growing challenges facing the sport, including age cheating, gender-based violence, drug abuse, and doping.
He described age manipulation as a worrying trend driven largely by adults rather than the athletes themselves, calling for collective responsibility from parents, coaches, and the wider community.
Tuwei also cited alarming research findings by NACADA and KIPPRA indicating early exposure to drugs among school-going children, noting that the fight against doping must begin at the grassroots level.
He emphasized that these challenges go beyond athletics and reflect broader societal issues that require coordinated action.
Athletics Kenya’s Executive Member and Youth Development Director Barnabas Korir outlined key technical and participation aspects of the Sirikwa Classic, emphasizing that elite and
Under-20 races will be strictly by invitation in line with World Athletics standards. Children’s races, he said, will be conducted through a structured registration process to ensure proper identification and compliance with anti-doping regulations.
Korir highlighted that the event offers prize money exceeding World Athletics minimum requirements, with elite athletes competing for up to USD 6,000, paid through to the 15th position, while Under-20 athletes will contest for USD 1,250, also extending to the 15th place.
He added that shorter 2km races were introduced to give more athletes competitive and earning opportunities.
“Beyond competition, this event is about opportunity and inspiration. Young athletes will run on the same course as world champions, and that experience alone can shape their future,” Korir said.
World marathon icon, Eliud Kipchoge, echoed the call for long-term athlete development, describing the Sirikwa Classic as more than just another race on the calendar.
He said the event plays a critical role in creating structured pathways that allow talent to mature and prepare for global competition.
Kipchoge urged young athletes and talent scouts to embrace the platform, while also welcoming increased corporate support for athletics.
He noted that passion alone cannot sustain sport, stressing the importance of year-round investment to support athletes beyond competition days.
The world marathoner further challenged sports leaders to take responsibility for building strong systems that support athletes beyond the Under-20 level, citing the need for quality coaching, medical and physiotherapy services, financial education, data-driven athlete protection, and mental health support.
“If we focus only on producing immediate champions, we will fail our athletes. But if we build strong systems, we will create athletes who last,” Kipchoge said.
As Kenya prepares to host the Sirikwa Classic, the three leaders underscored the event’s significance as a platform for clean sport, youth development and sustainable excellence, reinforcing the country’s status as the global home of cross-country running.
Also present during the event were the Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee Member for Sports, Youth Affairs, ICT, and Innovation, Robert Kemei, Charles Wokabi, Head of Sustainability, Communications and Corporate Relations at Absa Bank Kenya, former and current athletes, and other key stakeholders.