After debuting internationally at the International Schools Sports Federation (ISF) Cross Country Championships earlier this year, Ivy Jepkosgei and Samuel Otuta are determined to achieve even greater milestones in 2024.

The young athletes, training at the Plateau Athletics Kenya Youth Training Camp in Uasin Gishu County, have expressed ambitions to represent Kenya in major events, including the Africa Cross Country Championships and the Africa Under-18 Championships.

Jepkosgei Eyes International Glor

Ivy Jepkosgei, who will be joining Grade 7 at Tingwa Primary School next year, is focused on refining her skills ahead of key competitions.

“We are here to train with colleagues and sharpen our skills for the new year. Apart from school championships, we aim to compete on the global stage,” Jepkosgei stated.

In the ISF trials held at Nakuru High School, Jepkosgei finished 10th, replicating her performance at the ISF Championships held at the Ngong Racecourse. She completed the 1.2km Under-12 loop in 4:09.11, in a race dominated by Kenyan Sheila Chepkosgei with a time of 3:53.2.

Otuta Targets African and Global Competitions

Samuel Otuta, set to join Grade 9 at Kuinet School, sees his participation in the ISF Championships as a stepping stone toward bigger achievements.

Training at the camp has equipped him to compete in future 5,000m and 10,000m races. He placed 9th in the 2.2km Under-15 category with a time of 11:08.6, in a race won by Peter Lomuryon Pangai (10:18.6).

“I joined the camp to improve my skills, and I am working hard to achieve that. My goal is to make the team for Africa and beyond,” Otuta remarked.

Ngisirei Highlights Growing Talent in Kenya

Robert Ngisirei, Athletics Kenya’s junior head coach, noted that Kenya is poised for stiff competition globally thanks to its 54 youth training camps spread across the country.

Ngisirei, who recently visited seven camps in the North Rift region, reported that over 200 athletes are actively training in these centers.

“We are expecting a highly competitive group of athletes who have honed their skills in these camps. Most of them have already participated in various competitions, both at school and Athletics Kenya meetings,” Ngisirei said.

Camp Statistics in the North Rift Region

• Nandi County Camps:
  • Kapsisiywo: 50 athletes (31 girls, 19 boys).
  • All4Shoe Running: 50 athletes (29 girls, 21 boys).
  • Kaptien: 30 athletes (18 girls, 12 boys).
  • Kapkoimur: 45 athletes (23 girls, 22 boys).
• Uasin Gishu County Camps:
  • Simat: 30 athletes (17 girls, 13 boys).
  • Plateau: 30 athletes (18 girls, 12 boys).
  • Koiwoarusen: 30 athletes (19 girls, 11 boys).

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