Odira urges youth to pursue athletics career without fear

Commissioner General of Prisons in Kenya Patrick Aranduh speaking during the launch of the 2026 Kenya Prisons Inter-Regional Athletics, Darts and Chess Championship/ HANDOUT 

Lilian Odira has urged young athletes to pursue careers in sports, insisting that fear and uncertainty should not stop talented individuals from chasing success in athletics.

Speaking during the launch of the 2026 Kenya Prisons Inter-Regional Athletics, Darts and Chess Championship at Magereza House on Thursday, Odira said athletics, like any other profession, comes with both opportunities and challenges.

 “Every career has its own merits and demerits, including athletics,” she said. “Anyone with talent should not fear pursuing sports as a career.”

The world 800m champion further challenged young people to actively seek opportunities to showcase their abilities rather than remain idle at home. “Young people should not just sit at home. They should go out, participate in competitions and showcase their talent,” she added.

Speaking at the same event, Commissioner General of Prisons, Patrick Aranduh, said the Kenya Prisons Service remains committed to nurturing young talent across the country through sports programmes.

He revealed that the institution has 10 stations staffed with sports officers who train and guide up-and-coming athletes.

“We allow young people to join our teams and compete with others as they continue developing their skills,” he said.

Aranduh also noted that the service conducts nationwide recruitment to allow talented youths to join the Kenya Prisons Service.

The championship, organised by the Kenya Prisons Service, has brought together athletes from different prison regions to compete in athletics, darts and chess ahead of the finals scheduled for Saturday.

Senior officers, sponsors, athletes and officials attended the launch event, which also highlighted the growing role of the prison service in sports development.

According to officials, the Kenya Prisons Service currently has 13 athletes under the Kenya Prisons Council and organises three sporting events every calendar year.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Prisons netball team has qualified for the East Africa Regional Games, underlining the institution’s continued investment in sports development.