The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports kipchumba Murkomen , has reiterated the importance of creating clear pathways for talent development in sports, spanning from junior to senior levels.

Speaking during the launch of the Kenya Academy of Sports  (KAS) National Sports Talent Camp 2024 at Aga Khan High School in Nairobi, the CS said the taskforce he formed recently to review the Sports Policy and the Sports Act of 2013 will ensure a complementary relationship between the various stakeholders in the sports ecosystem.

“The goal is to ensure sports and education complement rather than compete with each other, fostering well-rounded athletes.” Stated the CS.

The National Sports Talent Camp, a collaborative initiative involving KAS under  the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Education, brings together 3,000 young athletes aged 7 to 19 for intensive 2-week residential training in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret.

Participants will be trained by top coaches from schools and federations in various sports, including athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, rugby, hockey, tennis, table tennis, and chess.

Participants will also receive advanced training and mentorship across various sports disciplines at venues including Shimo La Tewa High School, Khamisi High School, and Mombasa Baptist High School in Mombasa; Hospital Hill High School and Parklands Arya Girls School in Nairobi;

Kisumu Boys High School and Kisumu Girls High School in Kisumu; and Moi Girls High School and Hill School Girls in Eldoret.

To promote inclusivity, the program also features adaptive sports such as wheelchair basketball, amputee football, goalball, and deaf basketball.

The best talents identified during the camps will receive specialized training, with plans to expand the initiative next year to include more athletes and a dedicated coaching program.

ALSO READ: Kenya Cup Match Day 3: Jerry Olola Cup and thrilling Rugby showdowns