Commonwealth Games: NOC-K boss Maluki smells Team Kenya success

National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) president Shadrack Maluki believes Kenya’s team to the 2026 Commonwealth Games is ready to ascend to glory at the Glasgow showpiece even as the committee starts to lay strategies for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

NOC-K officials say all logistical arrangements, including travel, accommodation and training programmes in Glasgow, have been put in place to ensure the athletes can focus entirely on competition.

“The team is rearing to go and it is mentally and physically set. All we need is your prayers, and we are going to win medals. We are taking a very young team there, a team that is built for the future and which I believe will also be the team for LA 2028,”said Maluki.

On the other hand, NOC-K Secretary General, John Ogolla, says expectations are high, but believes the Kenyan contingent has the talent, experience and determination to deliver strong performances across the various disciplines.

Ogolla noted that the Commonwealth Games provide an important platform for athletes to test themselves against world-class opposition while also building towards future global events, including the 2028 Olympic Games.

“We have been here for a long time, almost three weeks with the athletes preparing and the team has been travelling in batches since last week with the last batch taking of tomorrow (Tuesday),” Ogolla said.

Kenya will aim to improve on its previous Commonwealth Games performances, with athletics expected to lead the country's medal charge alongside other disciplines targeting podium finishes.