The 2026 Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) National Athletics Championships concluded at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, with Kericho Township National Technical and Vocational College delivering one of the most outstanding performances of the competition, firmly stamping its authority as a rising powerhouse in student athletics.
Held from June 10-12, the championships brought together elite TVET institutions from across the country. Still, it was the South Rift contingent, led by Kericho Township National TVC, that commanded attention on the track and field, returning home with a strong medal harvest and regional pride.
The institution fielded a 20-member team that secured a total of seven medals, including three gold, two silver, and two bronze, playing a decisive role in the South Rift Region’s overall second-place finish with 7 gold, 7 silver, and 6 bronze medals.
It was a performance that underlined both depth and discipline in preparation. On the opening day, Jonathan Tangaya set the tone with a commanding run in the men’s 10,000m, powering through the field to clinch gold in one of the most demanding distance races, an event long associated with Kenya’s global athletics identity.
The women’s 10,000m delivered a defining moment for the college as Mercy Chepkirui stormed to gold while Mercy Chebet Biegon followed closely for silver, sealing a rare and emphatic one-two finish.
Chepkirui’s performance was further elevated by a new championship record, drawing loud recognition from officials and spectators.
In the women’s 200m, Naomi Chepngetich displayed remarkable speed and composure to secure a silver medal in a tightly contested sprint finish, adding versatility to the institution’s distance-heavy dominance.
Daphne Jepkogei Kiptoo extended the medal streak with a determined bronze in the women’s 5,000m, reinforcing Kericho Township National TVC’s endurance strength across multiple long-distance categories.
The final day saw Tabitha Chelangat deliver a polished and technically sound performance to seize gold in the women’s 400m hurdles, a race she controlled from the backstretch to the final barrier, sparking celebrations from the South Rift camp.
Moments later, Edith Chepkemoi ensured the team’s medal tally was complete with a spirited bronze in the women’s 100m hurdles, rounding off a campaign defined by consistency, tactical execution, and competitive edge.
By the close of the championships, South Rift Region had secured second place overall, with Kericho Township National TVC contributing a significant share of the medals, cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most reliable athletic contributors.
Beyond the track, the institution continues to demonstrate strong institutional performance, reinforcing the balance between sport, academics, and technical training.
The college recorded an 82 percent pass rate in KNEC examinations and 87 percent in CDACC assessments, reflecting steady academic growth and training quality.
It also remains among the early adopters of dual training programmes under the Finnish-German model, linking classroom instruction with industry exposure and strengthening graduate employability outcomes.
Its leadership in Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) also continues to stand out, with over 200 skilled individuals assessed for certification, including seven inmates among 676 trainees, who graduated on March 12, 2026.
The college’s creative and performing arts programme has also gained national attention, with seven entries showcased in national competitions this year alone, further expanding its footprint beyond technical training into talent development.
At the same time, Environmental stewardship remains central to its mandate, demonstrated through the planting of 2,500 tree seedlings during the 2026 World Environment Day celebrations.
This commitment was further strengthened by the commissioning of a 20KW solar power system earlier in the year, positioning the institution firmly on a green energy pathway.
As the attention now shifts to upcoming cultural festivals and national music competitions, Kericho Township National TVC carries forward growing expectations, buoyed by a performance culture that continues to deliver results across sport, academics, innovation and the creative arts.
By Gilbert Mutai
