Athletics Kenya has certified 27 new World Athletics Level One coaches in a move aimed at reinforcing the country’s athletics pipeline and raising coaching standards from the grassroots.
The coaches received their certificates at a ceremony in Nairobi attended by senior athletics officials, diplomats, corporate partners and former athletes, underscoring the broad support behind efforts to develop the next generation of Kenyan champions.
For a country whose reputation has long been built on success in middle and long-distance running, officials said investing in coaches is just as important as nurturing athletes.
Athletics Kenya President Lt Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei described the graduation as a milestone for the sport rather than simply an award ceremony.
“Today’s gathering is more than just a certificate award ceremony. It is a celebration of capacity building, international cooperation and the future of athletics,” Tuwei said.
He said qualified coaches remain the foundation of Kenya’s continued success on the global stage.
“This is the kind of grassroots impact that sustains Kenya’s dominance in athletics. Coaches are the foundation upon which future champions are built,” he said.
Tuwei also challenged the graduates to view coaching as a responsibility that extends beyond training athletes.
“You need to transform young lives, build champions and uphold the values of integrity, professionalism and service,” he told the newly certified coaches.
The Athletics Kenya president announced that the federation has begun registering coaches, technical officials and athlete support personnel as part of wider efforts to strengthen accountability and safeguard athletes.
“We want to know everyone working with athletes. Coaches, technical officials, drivers, cooks—anyone supporting athletes. This is part of strengthening integrity and ensuring only qualified people work within athletics,” he said.
He encouraged the coaches to continue advancing through the World Athletics coaching education pathway, describing the Level One qualification as the beginning of a longer professional journey.
The event also highlighted growing international cooperation in sports development.
Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, Gideon Behar, said his country would continue supporting Kenya through programmes focused on youth development, sports and environmental conservation.
“Our partnership with Kenya extends beyond sport. We remain committed to supporting youth development, international training programmes and climate action because sport has the power to unite communities and create lasting impact,” Behar said.
He added that Israel was ready to work with Athletics Kenya on environmental initiatives, including tree-planting campaigns and projects aimed at improving air quality.
Speakers also stressed the need for coaching to evolve alongside advances in sports science.
Aberdare Sports Club Director Georginah Munene said coaches play a central role in every athlete’s career and called for greater adoption of modern training methods.
“A coach is one of the most important people in an athlete’s development. Technical knowledge, sports science and modern coaching methods must continue evolving if we are to produce world-class athletes,” she said.
Francis Ngambi, representing Co-operative Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s support for athletics through partnerships that invest in coach education and athlete development.
The graduates received internationally recognised World Athletics Level One Coaching Certificates, equipping them with foundational skills in coaching methodology, athlete development and athlete welfare.
The programme forms part of Athletics Kenya’s broader strategy to strengthen grassroots athletics, improve athlete welfare and preserve the country’s standing as one of the world’s leading athletics nations.
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