Athletics Kenya seeks greater spotlight for athletes ahead of Glasgow Trials

Athletics Kenya has called for greater public interest in track and field athletes, saying many of the country's stars only gain recognition after winning medals on the international stage.

Speaking ahead of the National Championships at Nyayo National Stadium, which will serve as Kenya's trials for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Athletics Kenya Treasurer David Miano urged Kenyans and the media to pay closer attention to athletes competing locally.

Miano said athletics continues to deliver some of Kenya's greatest sporting achievements, yet many athletes remain largely unknown until they excel internationally.

"It is important to draw national interest towards this endeavour. When one lady won in Tokyo, I could hear some Kenyans asking who she was. By the time we left here for Tokyo, many Kenyans did not know about her," said Miano.

He contrasted athletics with football, where supporters often know players long before major tournaments.

"I see in football people know the players, even those from other countries. I pray that we would get there when it comes to athletics because this is one of our own," he said.

Miano challenged the media, parents and athletics enthusiasts to support athletes as they compete for places in Team Kenya.

"My passionate call to the fourth estate is to also give a chance to this activity which is coming this weekend. All of it is geared towards doing a national duty," he said.

He added that Athletics Kenya has expanded significantly in recent years and now serves more than 12,000 registered athletes through programs aimed at improving athlete welfare and development.

"For the last five years, Athletics Kenya has expanded its departments. We have safeguarding, we have climate issues, all geared towards the athletes' interests," he said.

Meanwhile, KCB has echoed the call for greater support for local athletes as they seek qualification for the Commonwealth Games.

KCB Head of Public Sector Coverage Charles Nyangito urged Kenyans to turn up and rally behind competitors during the championships.

"I call upon all Kenyans to come forth and support morally in cheering them up as they compete, because it is very important. Once they win, we win as Kenyans," said Nyangito.

The bank has invested more than KSh2.5 billion in sports over the last two decades and recently committed KSh10 million towards the Commonwealth Games trials.

Beyond the sponsorship, KCB plans to provide financial literacy training for athletes and technical officials selected to represent Kenya in Glasgow.

"Our goal is to equip the athletes and technical officials with essential financial management skills, empowering them to make informed decisions on budgeting, savings, investment and long-term financial planning during and beyond their sporting careers," Nyangito said.

As athletes prepare to battle for places in Team Kenya, Athletics Kenya hopes the championships will not only identify future medal contenders but also inspire greater public appreciation for athletes before they become household names.