The next Ferdinand Omanyala might just be unearthed this weekend as fourteen elite clubs and schools descend on the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The Private and International Prep Schools Sports Association (PIPSSA) athletics championship has attracted a record entry, signaling a major shift in how Kenya nurtures its sporting talent.

Gone are the days when athletics was the preserve of rural public schools. The verified list of participants reads like a roll call of Kenya’s premier private institutions: Potterhouse Runda, Sabis International, Nova Pioneer, and the M-Pesa Foundation Academy. PIPSSA Coordinator Mark Gaya believes this championship is about more than just medals; it is about widening the talent pipeline for Team Kenya.

Elite Training for Young Guns

"Athletics is gaining the same prestige as swimming in these schools," Gaya explained. The involvement of Ferdinand Omanyala’s foundation has been a game-changer. The Africa 100m record holder has been actively helping these schools set up professional track structures, bridging the gap between amateur school sports and professional athlete development.

Among the ones to watch are individual entrants Aaron Simiyu and Brack Oluoch, who have opted to compete as independents—a sign of the growing individual determination among young athletes. The event at Kasarani is expected to be a high-octane display of sprints and relays, taking advantage of the world-class tartan track.

• The Roster: Participating teams include Juja St Peter’s, Kitengela International, Lukenya, Brookhurst, Woodcreek, and Mully’s Family.
• Beyond the Track: PIPSSA has expanded its calendar to include football and skating leagues this term, ensuring year-round engagement.
• The Nanyuki Finale: This weekend is a warm-up for the main event—the Inter-County Sports Tournament in Nanyuki on March 7, which will fuse sports with tourism.

A New Era

The shift is palpable. Private schools are investing in coaches, nutritionists, and facilities. "We want our students to not just watch champions on TV, but to become them," Gaya added. As the starting gun fires at Kasarani, it signals a new era where elite education and elite sports performance are no longer mutually exclusive.

For the parents and scouts in the stands, the PIPSSA championship is a glimpse into the future of Kenyan athletics—diverse, well-funded, and hungrier than ever.