Ministry of Sports reaffirms commitment to athlete welfare after Glasgow show

The Ministry Sports has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening athlete welfare and talent development following Team Kenya's mixed fortunes at the just-concluded Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Team Kenya concluded its Glasgow outing with 12 medals to finish 12th overall at the Games, which were held from July 23 to August 2 and featured about 3,000 athletes competing across 10 sports.

Speaking during the reception for the final batch of Team Kenya athletes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Wednesday, Sports Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF) Board Chair George Kithi, said the government's focus remains on supporting both established and upcoming athletes while expanding opportunities across different sporting disciplines.

Kithi said Kenya's performances in Glasgow demonstrated progress beyond individual medal success, describing the Games as an indication of the country's growing talent base.

"We have had tremendous improvements in the disciplines that were represented in Glasgow, and we continue to do that facilitation," he said.

Furthermore, he added that the competition had uncovered more talent and strengthened the government's resolve to invest in athlete development.

"This has been an outing that has promised that there is more to come in terms of the talents that Kenya has. It has discovered more talents and disciplines that we are trying to onboard in order to put Kenya on the sports map far beyond the horizon that we've already achieved," Kithi added.

The government's commitment was echoed by the athletes, who said continued support and investment would be essential as competition at the highest level continues to intensify.

Men's 5,000 metres gold medalist Mathew Kipsang credited teamwork for helping Kenya reclaim the Commonwealth title, saying support from teammates Cornelius Kemboi and Almisi played a crucial role in his victory.

"We helped each other both mentally and pushed ourselves until we came back with it," Kipsang said.

Meanwhile, men's 10,000 metres race walk silver medallist Stephen Ndangili said the Games highlighted the growing strength of Kenya's international rivals, warning that the country must continue improving to remain among the world's athletics powerhouses.

"The world out there has caught up with us, it is tough. It wasn't easy but we thank God for where we are right now," Ndangili said.

Kithi said the ministry would continue creating an enabling environment for athletes to excel, expressing confidence that sustained investment in welfare, talent identification and development would help Kenya build on the lessons from Glasgow as preparations begin for future regional and global competitions.