For decades, the South Rift region has been synonymous with athletics excellence, producing some of Kenya’s finest runners.
Now, technical training institutions across the region believe the next generation of champions could emerge not from traditional sports academies, but from TVET colleges.
That optimism was evident during the South Rift Regional Athletics Championships held at Kericho Teachers Training College, where hundreds of trainees competed for places in the regional team that will represent South Rift at the upcoming KATTI National Athletics Championships in Nairobi.
Officials say the event showcased not only athletic talent but also the expanding role of TVET institutions in shaping young people beyond the classroom.
“We are one of the most progressive regions when it comes to implementing the TVET agenda and also one of the most cohesive regions whenever institutions come together for events such as these,” said Kericho Township Technical and Vocational College Principal Shadrack Tonui during the closing ceremony.
“We are also among the regions that continue producing trailblazers in track and field. From this championship, we are confident that the team proceeding to the national competition will break records and make the region proud,” he added.
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The championships attracted 27 institutions from Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Nakuru and Narok counties. While the athletes battled for medals, the event also served as a platform for identifying talent and promoting technical education.
Tonui said co-curricular activities have become increasingly important in attracting young people to technical training institutions.
“When we talk about increasing enrollment in TVET institutions, we must also create platforms that attract and motivate young people,” he said. “Sports bring trainees together, strengthen unity and provide opportunities that go beyond the classroom.”
According to education stakeholders, TVET institutions play a critical role in Kenya’s economic transformation by equipping learners with practical skills required in sectors such as engineering, construction, information technology, agriculture and renewable energy.
However, officials argue that sports complement those technical skills by building character traits valued in the workplace.
“This athletics competition brings unity to the region,” Tonui said. “Some of these trainees will become future champions while others will carry the values learned through sports into their careers and businesses.”
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Despite the success of the championships, inadequate sports infrastructure remains a major challenge.
“Most of our youths practice on roads and other unsuitable places because many institutions do not have proper facilities,” Tonui observed. “We appeal to partners and investors to support public TVET colleges so that we can improve sporting infrastructure and nurture even more talent.”
KATTI National Sports and Recreation Chairperson Id Faraj said the impact of such competitions extends far beyond medals.
“Last year alone, a number of participants secured employment opportunities in the military and other security agencies,” he said. “These events demonstrate that sports can create livelihoods and open doors for our trainees.”
As the newly selected South Rift team prepares for the national championships, officials believe the region’s strong athletics heritage remains in safe hands. For many of the young athletes, the road to future success may begin in the workshop, classroom and training grounds of a TVET institution.
By Kimutai Langat
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