The government has stepped up its preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games by pledging greater investment in nurturing young talent through the Kenya Academy of Sports.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said the initiative is aimed at developing a strong pipeline of athletes capable of maintaining Kenya's dominance on the global stage.
Speaking on Thursday, August 6, in Oregon, USA, where he is attending the ongoing 21st World Athletics Under-20 Championships, Mwangi noted that the Ministry of Sports is committed to identifying and supporting promising athletes from an early age.
He explained that the Kenya Academy of Sports will play a central role in harnessing talent across the country to ensure Kenya fields a formidable team at the Los Angeles Olympics.
Mwangi also reaffirmed the government's commitment to rewarding outstanding performances by athletes under the recently enhanced incentive scheme.
Under the programme, Kenyan athletes who win gold medals at the World Under-20 Championships will walk away with KES 2 million, silver medalists KES 1.5 million and bronze medalists KES 1 million.
Kenya has already collected four medals at the biennial championships.
Mercy Chepngeno Koskey claimed gold in the women's 3,000 metres steeplechase, while Frankline Kibet struck gold in the men's 5,000 metres. Nehemiah Kipngeno earned silver in the men's 5,000 metres, with Joyline Chepkemoi securing bronze in the women's 5,000 metres.
This year's championships have attracted athletes from 147 nations, making it one of the largest editions of the global junior showpiece.
Kenya will be hoping to improve on its performance at the previous championships held in Lima, Peru, in 2024, where the country finished fifth overall from a list of 134 nations after collecting three gold, three silver and one bronze medal.
