The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) has unveiled plans to construct its first high-performance training centre in Nyahururu, Laikipia County. NOCK president Shadrack Maluki made the announcement during the organisation's Extraordinary General Assembly in Nairobi. The centre will be built on a 42-acre piece of land and will provide a state-of-the-art facility for athletes to train. Maluki stated that the centre is crucial for NOCK's long-term autonomy in growing talent.
The high-performance training centre is part of NOCK's efforts to overhaul grassroots talent development across Kenya. Maluki explained that establishing a dedicated training centre is vital for the committee's independence in growing talent. The centre will enable NOCK to bring athletes together for training without incurring additional costs. Maluki noted that Nyahururu's high altitude region will provide ideal conditions for athletes, similar to those in Iten, a renowned hub for elite distance runners.
The move marks an intentional effort by NOCK to institutionalise access to high-elevation climate that has powered Kenya's distance-running legacy for decades. The centre will serve as the primary training base for Team Kenya ahead of major multi-sport competitions, including the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. By modernising local training pipelines, NOCK aims to elevate national preparation standards and decrease dependency on foreign-based training environments.
The Nyahururu centre is part of Maluki's broader agenda for Kenyan sport, which includes comprehensive athlete-support frameworks. Since stepping into the NOCK presidency, Maluki has advocated for a specialized high-altitude recovery centre and a dedicated foundation addressing mental wellness and transition care for retired sportspeople. These initiatives reflect a holistic strategy prioritizing athlete welfare across every stage of a competitive career.
The construction of the high-performance centre is a significant step towards decentralising elite training infrastructure from the capital to key athletic regions. Although construction schedules, capital requirements, and funding channels have not yet been made public, the project underscores NOCK's commitment to developing local talent. The centre is expected to provide a world-class facility for athletes to train and prepare for international competitions.
During the Extraordinary General Assembly, delegates also approved updated membership criteria and formally welcomed three new governing federations into the country's Olympic umbrella: American Football, Skiing, and Lacrosse. The assembly provided an opportunity for NOCK to review its strategies and make key decisions that will shape the future of sports in Kenya.
The high-performance training centre in Nyahururu is a significant development in Kenya's sports sector, and its construction is expected to have a positive impact on the country's athletic performance. With the centre, NOCK aims to provide a world-class facility for athletes to train and prepare for international competitions, ultimately enhancing Kenya's reputation as a powerhouse in distance running.
Key points
- NOCK plans to construct a high-performance training centre in Nyahururu to provide a state-of-the-art facility for athletes.
- The centre will serve as the primary training base for Team Kenya ahead of major multi-sport competitions.
- The project is part of NOCK's efforts to decentralise elite training infrastructure and develop local talent.
