Kimanzi, Odemba hail gov't's integration of sports into CBE

Former Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi has hailed the government’s decision to integrate sports as a co-curricular activity under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework, describing it as a game-changing step towards securing Kenya’s long-term sporting success.

Kimanzi noted that embedding structured sports programmes within schools will significantly improve early talent identification and development, ensuring young athletes are nurtured from a formative age. He stressed that learning institutions have always been, and will continue to be, the true bedrock of sustainable sports development in the country.

Currently serving as the Director of Football Development at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), Kimanzi emphasized that proper infrastructure and qualified personnel are critical if Kenya is to consistently produce athletes capable of competing at regional, continental and global levels. According to him, the availability of well-equipped playing facilities in schools creates an immediate pathway for discovering and refining raw talent.

“Once you open an arena of big magnitude, you immediately start the journey of talent identification,” Kimanzi said, underlining the importance of accessible sporting spaces within the education system.

His views were echoed by Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba, who welcomed the inclusive nature of the new framework, particularly its impact on girls’ participation in sports. Odemba said it is encouraging to see the girl child increasingly given opportunities to play football and engage in other disciplines without barriers.

Stakeholders believe that, if fully implemented, the CBE sports model could revolutionize Kenya’s talent pipeline and strengthen the country’s future sporting fortunes.