“Seeds of Greatness: Barnaba Korir’s Mission to Shape Kenya’s Future Athletics Champions”
Josphat Kebut
His smile is infectious, a beacon of warmth that lights up every room he enters.
Behind his glasses, there’s a focused gaze—hawk-like eyes that can spot raw talent from miles away.
Barnaba Korir is more than just a former athlete and the current Nairobi Region Athletics Kenya Chairman.
He is a man with an unshakeable commitment to nurturing the next generation of Kenyan athletes, and his passion for youth athletics runs deep. He is the Athletics Kenya’s Youth development Director.
“The future is here,” Korir says with a smile that radiates optimism, every time I asked him about kids athletics in Kenya!
His words are more than just a catchphrase; they are a reflection of the dream he is working tirelessly to make a reality.
I recall a moment last year, just before the Chepsaita Cross Country in December 2024.
Korir couldn’t have been happier about the event, which had already drawn attention with its growth in just a short time.
Under the patronage of Farouk Kibet, the race had become a magnet for athletic talent, and Chepkemel was starting to see its own athletic camp spring up, along with the emergence of a star.
“The young girl Ivy, who participated in the Chepsaita Cross Country last year, is now a champion. She’s opened up this region to the world of athletics,” Korir shared with a proud smile. The words weren’t just about a young girl’s success; they were about the spark that was igniting the future of athletics in that region, placing Chepsaita firmly on the global map.
Korir doesn’t rest. He travels far and wide, from camp to camp, checking on young athletes and ensuring that the future of Kenyan athletics is on track.
His dedication to youth athletics is clear, especially with the holiday camps run by Athletics Kenya, as part of the enhanced program from the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS).
These camps, held three times a year during school holidays, focus on building the essential foundations of speed, endurance, and strength. They are the breeding grounds for champions, a space where raw talent is honed.
One such camp was in Sirikwa, Kuresoi North, where Brenda Jerotich, a student from Sirikwa Secondary, couldn’t contain her excitement.
“I thank Athletics Kenya for setting up these camps,” she said with gratitude,
“Our MP also deserves thanks for supporting this initiative. Since I joined this camp this holiday, my coach gave me a program, and we trained hard. I went to Chepsaita and finished third. I went to Keringet and placed third again. This camp has really helped me. My role model is Faith Kipyegon, and one day, I’ll break her record.”
Brenda’s words reflect the tangible impact these camps are having on young athletes across the country. The camp isn’t just a place to train; it’s a stepping stone toward greatness.
Korir’s commitment to youth development took him recently to Mokwo, EMC, for the St. Agatha Cross Country Championships, where he continued to champion Athletics Kenya’s dedication to providing young athletes with a platform to grow and shine.
“At Athletics Kenya, we are committed to enhancing this initiative,” he said, “as it serves as a crucial pathway to stardom by nurturing young talents. Introducing children to sports at an early age fosters passion and interest, something we see firsthand in the enthusiasm of the participants.”
Korir’s work isn’t just about physical development; it’s about molding athletes who are as strong in character as they are in strength.
He has been vocal about the dangers of substance abuse, and age cheating, explaining and how it threatens not just the health of young athletes but also their futures in sport.
“We are actively teaching young athletes about the dangers of substance abuse and its detrimental effects on their health and sport,” he explained during one of his interviews.
“Instilling integrity at an early age is essential for ensuring that they not only excel in athletics but also lead healthy, responsible lives.”
The passion Korir has for these young athletes was evident at the Gold Label Sirikwa Classic Cross Country, where he served as the race director.
Weaving his way through the registration booths, Korir was a constant presence—greeting the kids, shaking their hands, asking them questions, and taking a genuine interest in their stories.
His dedication wasn’t just to the race—it was to the kids, the future of athletics, and ensuring that they knew they were valued.
The images from Lobo Village captured the essence of his mission—like a farmer tending to his nursery, nurturing these young talents with care, patience, and hope.
“Parents play a key role in this,” Korir often says. “We need to start at an early age. If we help our kids to love the sport, they will grow into it, and that’s how champions are made.”
At the Sirikwa Classic, the morning was dedicated to the youth races, and later transitioned to the elite and senior events.
It was a direct message to the children: You are the seedbeds of talent, and your future is bright.
These young athletes weren’t just participants; they were the next generation of Kenyan champions, preparing to step into the shoes of the senior athletes who had already made their mark on the world stage.
The pictures from that day told the story of a man on a mission—a man determined to give every child, every young athlete, a chance to shine.
Korir’s heart beats for youth athletics, and his vision for the future is clear: With the right guidance, nurturing, and opportunities, these kids are destined for greatness.
It’s a mission that’s not just about the race today but about the champions of tomorrow. Barnaba Korir is giving these kids a chance—one smile, one handshake, and one camp at a time.
