Athletics Kenya pushes for indoor arenas

Athletics Kenya (AK) Youth Development Director Barnabas Korir has urged the government to be steadfast in the development of indoor sports infrastructure to ensure Kenyan athletes remain competitive on the global stage.

Korir was speaking today ahead of the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland, where he remains confident the eight-member Kenyan squad will shine.

Korir noted that while Kenya continues to produce world-class talent, the lack of local indoor facilities remains a significant hurdle.

Kenya’s squad hits the track today with Mercy Oketch and Brian Tinega in the 400m, Rosemary Longisa and Gladys Chepngetich in the 800m, followed by Noah Kibet, Susan Ejore, and Festus Lagat later in the session. The benefits of proper infrastructure, Korir stressed, are clear:

“Athletes abroad have access to training, science, and support—that’s why they are running extremely well.”

Among the key athletes representing Kenya are Brian Tinega, a 400m specialist at Texas Tech University and the national indoor record holder with 45.68 seconds, and Rosemary Longisa, a 20-year-old 800m specialist from Washington State University.

She currently ranks third-fastest Kenyan woman in history over the indoor mile, behind Susan Ejore (4:20.61) and Dorcus Ewoi (4:22.39).

Jacob Krop, the 2022 world 5,000m silver medallist, carries Kenya’s hopes in the 3,000m. He steps onto the track against a high-calibre field that includes American Olympic 1,500m champion Cole Hocker

Korir urged the government to replicate such facilities locally, saying:

“We want to replicate these facilities here so our athletes have the chance to train and compete on equal terms. Infrastructure is vital—not just for medals, but for the benefits athletes bring to this country economically.”

Korir highlighted that beyond sporting glory, the success of Kenyan athletes should be a catalyst for broader economic development through strategic investment.

"We have not really utilised their success to make sure that we use that to build economically as a country."

The 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships will feature 674 athletes from 118 federations, including 11 World Championship gold medallists and nine Olympic champions.

Stars like Ukrainian high-jump record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh and Britain’s Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson will test Kenya’s best. Korir believes this is just the beginning.

With the right support at home, the next generation of Kenyan champions can thrive—on the world stage and beyond.