Mumias Central Principal Francis Makau has lauded the transformative impact of hosting Athletics Kenya (AK) junior training camps at the school. Over the three occasions the school has hosted the camps, the proceeds have not only supported athletics development but also significantly improved school infrastructure.
“It’s an honor to host these camps,” said Makau. “The government, through Athletics Kenya, provides funds for feeding and accommodating athletes. The surplus from these allocations has been instrumental in driving development projects within the school.”
Makau highlighted notable improvements funded by the camps, including the construction of a modern assembly area and upgrades to the junior school laboratory. “We’ve added ceiling boards, painted rooms, and improved all facilities. These projects benefit not just our students but the entire school community,” he said.
Youth Camps: A Shield against social vices
Camp coordinator Henry Moi emphasized the broader societal impact of the youth camps. “By hosting these camps, we provide young people with constructive activities, keeping them away from early marriages and drug abuse—especially in rural areas prone to such challenges,” he noted.
Moi added that the camps enhance athletes’ capacity to compete at national and international levels, fostering talent development and holistic growth.
A Holistic approach to Athletics development
Athletics Kenya’s Youth Development Secretary Joseph Ilovi echoed the sentiment during visits to the Nyang’ori and Mumias camps.
“Our goal is to nurture well-rounded athletes who excel academically and athletically. Schools hosting these camps have seen remarkable improvements in their infrastructure, which uplifts the entire community,” Ilovi stated.
Athletes set their sights on international glory
The camps are not only improving facilities but also shaping the next generation of Kenyan athletes. Maxwell Simiyu Juma, a sprinter from Nyang’ori, and Esther Atsenga, a hurdles champion from Mumias, are preparing to represent Kenya at the Africa Under-20 Championships in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Simiyu, an 18-year-old specializing in the 100m and 200m sprints, credited the camp with his progress. “This camp has nurtured my talent, improved my endurance, and kept me focused,” he said. Inspired by Commonwealth 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala, Simiyu has reduced his 100m time from 11.9 seconds to 11.2 seconds, reaching the regional school championships.
For Atsenga, the camp has been life-changing. “The support here helped me win both the national and East African 100m hurdles titles. However, we face challenges such as a lack of training kits like spikes and uniforms. With better resources, we can achieve even greater success,” she said.
Empowering communities through Athletics
Athletics Kenya’s youth camps demonstrate how sports can drive societal change. By improving school infrastructure, nurturing young talent, and shielding youth from social challenges, these camps are building a brighter future for communities and athletes alike.
