Ruto: Discipline, eating well and gym behind Kenya's athletics sterling performance

President William Ruto on Thursday offered visiting Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo insights into why Kenyan athletes continue to excel on the international stage.

Ruto attributed their success to discipline, training culture, and lifestyle choices.

Speaking during a meeting at State House, Nairobi, Ruto responded to his guest’s curiosity about Kenya’s long-standing dominance in athletics, particularly in long-distance races.

“While it is true that the majority of runners come from the part of the country that I come from, and you have asked for the secret to how they do well, I can tell you, because I come from that region,” Ruto said.

The President pointed to discipline as a key ingredient in the athletes’ success, noting that many runners begin their training routines long before dawn.

“First, they are very disciplined. They wake up early, at 4am in the morning to run, they control what they eat and they also go to the gym. Those are the basics of how to be a successful runner,” he explained.

In a lighter moment, Ruto acknowledged ongoing debates within the country about the role of gym training in living a healthy life.

“There is another big debate in Kenya about the gym,” he said, drawing laughter during the meeting.

Chapo is in Kenya for a three-day official working visit from March 24 to March 26, 2026.

The visit marks his first trip to the country since assuming office in January 2025, following an invitation from Ruto.

Kenya’s reputation as a global athletics powerhouse is well established, with its runners consistently dominating major international competitions.

From global championship tracks to major city marathons, Kenyan athletes are renowned for their endurance, consistency, and winning mentality.

Much of this success is linked to the country’s strong running culture, particularly in the Rift Valley region, where high-altitude conditions provide a natural training advantage.

Generations of athletes have emerged from the region, benefiting from a mix of environmental factors and a deeply ingrained sporting tradition.

Over the years, legendary figures such as Eliud Kipchoge and David Rudisha have elevated Kenya’s global standing. Kipchoge’s historic sub-two-hour marathon and Rudisha’s 800 metres world record at the 2012 Olympics remain iconic milestones in the sport.

Today, a new wave of athletes continues to build on that legacy, regularly excelling in events such as the World Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games.

The country’s success is further supported by structured training camps, experienced coaches, and a deep pool of talent that ensures stiff competition at the national level.

For many young Kenyans, athletics offers not just a path to international fame, but also a means of economic advancement.

This motivation, combined with discipline and community support, continues to propel Kenyan runners to the top of the global stage.