Athletics Kenya Youth and Development director Barnaba Korir has warned upcoming athletes against being tricked into signing contracts without proper guidance.
Korir, the newly elected National Olympic Committee (NOCK) Vice President, said Athletics Kenya is working closely with parents, teachers, coaches and the government to safeguard the junior athletes’ welfare.
Speaking when he welcomed the athletes from the CAA U18/20 championships in Nigeria, Korir urged them to stay smart by combining education with athletics and avoid doping.
Team Kenya of 47 athletes finished third at the five-day championships with 13 gold, 12 silver and nine bronze medals. South Africa were overall winners, followed by the hosts, Nigeria.
Korir noted that AK youth athletes' training camps will resume during the August holiday.
“As we prepare for the August holiday camps, we shall ensure that they run smoothly and are age-appropriate,” noted Korir.
The junior athletes have now shifted their focus to the forthcoming Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Federation (FEASSA) championships in Kakamega, and the Africa Youth Games to be held in Angola from December 10 to 20.
Meanwhile, those aged between 15 and 18 will be eligible to represent the country at the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games to be held in Dakar, Senegal, from October 31 to November 13.
Elsewhere, the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships will be held in Eugene, Oregon, USA, with Kenya expected to field a strong team comprising some of the athletes who were in Nigeria. The 21st edition will be between August 5 and 9.
