Athletics Kenya Youth Development Committee chairman Barnaba Korir has called for greater investment in the seven athletes who represented the country at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Korir insists that their welfare and long-term development must take priority as Kenya seeks to nurture its next generation of athletics stars. The call comes after the youngsters returned from Senegal on Wednesday night, having helped Kenya finish third in the athletics medal standings with five medals – three gold and two silver.
Korir, who engaged the athletes and team officials after their arrival, said the focus should now shift beyond medals and competition results to creating an environment that allows young talent to flourish.
“Investing in the next generation goes beyond the competition arena. It is also about listening, supporting and creating an environment where young athletes can thrive,” he said.
He said their meeting also addressed the athletes’ welfare, experiences in Dakar and arrangements for their onward journeys, reaffirming the federation’s commitment to providing the necessary care and support. “We reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring the athletes receive proper care and that coaches have the necessary support to continue nurturing and developing junior talent,” he added.
The Kenyan youngsters justified their selection with impressive performances on the track, led by Abigail Kosgei, who stormed to gold in the girls’ 2,000m steeplechase in 6:30.24. Enock Tuitoek followed suit in the boys’ 3,000m, winning gold in 8:07.69, while Faith Rono completed Kenya’s gold-medal sweep with victory in the girls’ 3,000m in 9:15.47.
Wesley Kiplagat claimed silver in the boys’ 2,000m steeplechase in 5:36.28, while Abigael Chepkirui secured another silver in the girls’ 1,500m after clocking 4:29.86.
David Kapaiko Sekento finished fifth in the boys’ 800m in 1:53.61, while Cecilia Njeri Wainaina was disqualified in the girls’ 5,000m race walk.
Besides medals, Korir said he was encouraged by the maturity, confidence and determination displayed by the youngsters, including their willingness to engage the media and share their experiences. “I am particularly encouraged by the maturity and confidence these young athletes have demonstrated. From the determination they displayed on the track, fighting all the way to the finish line, to the confidence with which they have engaged the media and shared their experiences, they have given us plenty of reason to believe in their potential,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of creating an environment where young athletes can freely express themselves and raise concerns, noting that constructive engagement between athletes, coaches and federation officials was vital to their development. “Young athletes should feel confident that their voices matter, their views are valued, and their concerns can be addressed through constructive engagement,” he said.
With their first major international assignment behind them, the priority would be to sustain their progress through quality coaching, structured competitions, welfare support and clearly defined development pathways. “Our commitment is to walk this journey with them, providing the care, guidance and support they need to grow both as athletes and as responsible young people,” Korir added.
