Kenyan sprinting has received a significant shot in the arm following the official launch of the Omanyala Sprint Club in Isinya, Kajiado County a grassroots initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing young sprinting talent from an early age. The ambitious project was unveiled on Wednesday at Merishaw School in Isinya, marking a major milestone in efforts to strengthen Kenya’s sprinting pipeline. The school becomes the first beneficiary of the programme, which is being implemented under the Omanyala Foundation, a non-profit organisation established by Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala.
Building the Future of Kenyan Sprinting
At the heart of the Omanyala Foundation is a clear mission: to ensure that young sprinters across the country are given equal opportunities to discover, develop, and maximise their athletic potential. Sprint talent development forms the foundation’s core pillar, supported by mentorship and long-term athlete career planning.
Through the sprint club initiative, the foundation aims to create structured pathways that guide athletes from school-level competitions to elite national and international platforms. This will be achieved through the formation of school-based sprint clubs, the training of specialised sprint coaches, and access to professional mentorship from accomplished athletes. The Merishaw School project is designed to serve as a model that can be replicated across the country as the foundation expands its reach.
Direct Mentorship From Africa’s Fastest Man
One of the most striking aspects of the initiative is that students at Merishaw School will be trained and mentored directly by Ferdinand Omanyala, offering them a rare opportunity to learn from one of Africa’s most successful sprinters. Omanyala’s involvement goes beyond branding. The continental record holder is expected to actively guide training programmes, inspire young athletes, and share professional insights gained from competing at the highest levels of global athletics.
Why Merishaw School Was Chosen
Merishaw School Games Master Kipkirui Sang explained that the decision to partner with Omanyala was driven by the sprinter’s achievements and reputation on the world stage.
Omanyala is more than an athlete he is a brand associated with excellence. He is recognised both locally and internationally, and we want our students to draw inspiration from that success
Kipkirui SangHe added that Omanyala’s role as a mentor will be instrumental in shaping the mindset and discipline of young sprinters who aspire to pursue athletics beyond school.
Talent Identification to Begin Next Term
Omanyala is expected to formally begin working with Merishaw School in the coming school term. The first phase will involve internal trials aimed at identifying students with sprinting ability and competitive potential.The Omanyala Foundation will deploy a team of qualified coaches who will collaborate with local trainers to ensure the athletes receive proper technical guidance, conditioning, and long-term development support.
Bridging the Gap After School
Sang noted that one of the biggest challenges facing talented student-athletes is uncertainty after completing Grade 12. Many promising athletes struggle to transition into professional sport due to lack of exposure, mentorship, or financial support. Through the sprint club, students will gain exposure to competitions, potential scholarships, and opportunities to progress into professional athletics careers.
Opening Doors Beyond Merishaw
While the initiative currently focuses on Merishaw School students, there are plans to expand its reach. Sang revealed that the school intends to collaborate further with the Omanyala Foundation to host holiday training camps, talent identification programmes, and possibly international sprint competitions.
Omanyala’s Vision for Legacy and Continuity
Speaking at the launch, Omanyala said the initiative was born from his desire to ensure Kenyan sprinting continues to thrive long after his competitive career comes to an end.
This sprint club is about the future. We want to make sure Kenya continues to produce top sprinters for future championships. I do not want to leave a gap when I eventually step away from competition. The idea is to recruit as many young sprinters as possible and give them a clear pathway towards their careers
Ferdinand Omanyala With the launch of the Omanyala Sprint Club, Kenyan athletics takes a bold step towards building a sustainable sprinting legacy one that begins at the school level and grows into global success.
