Sports CS Murkomen calls for broader Olympic preparations

Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba  Murkomen has called for urgent action to broaden Kenya's representation at future Olympic Games, emphasizing the need to focus on underrepresented sports and enhance early preparations.

Speaking at the National Olympic Committee of Kenya’s (NOC-K) strategic workshop in Sagana, Murkomen urged sports stakeholders to step up their efforts in ensuring Kenya’s Olympic future is more inclusive across multiple disciplines.

“This is the time to move beyond our traditional strongholds and build a broader foundation for Olympic success,” Murkomen said. “We have 31 registered Olympic federations, but only six qualified for Paris 2024. This must change if we are to remain competitive on the global stage.”

The workshop, which reviewed Kenya’s performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics and mapped out strategies for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics, brought together sports federation leaders and technical experts.

The CS highlighted the significance of the meeting, marking it as the first time in Kenya’s history that such a strategy session was held within two months of the conclusion of an Olympic Games.

He stressed the importance of early preparation and closer collaboration between federations, athletes, and technical teams. “To succeed, we must plan early, support our athletes holistically, and leverage the latest sports science. We can’t wait until the last minute,” he said.

The CS also celebrated Kenya’s historic qualification in Judo and Fencing at the Paris Olympics, which he described as a “momentous achievement.” He urged stakeholders to build on this success by nurturing talent in non-traditional sports. "It is crucial that we tap into the potential of emerging sports and create pathways for young talent to thrive.”

In addition, Murkomen called for greater accountability within the federations, noting that enhanced transparency would attract more private sector investment and improve overall performance. “With proper governance, we can draw more resources from the private sector, which will in turn help elevate our athletes to world-class standards,” he added.

The workshop marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s Olympic journey, with a renewed focus on broadening the country’s representation and improving performance across the board. CS Murkomen reaffirmed his commitment to supporting these efforts, stating, “My office is fully behind this mission. Together, we will ensure Kenya stands tall in future Olympic Games.”