A landmark partnership has been established between Elgeyo Marakwet County (EMC) in Kenya and the City of Miramas in France.
The partnership aims to elevate athletics training and broaden sports development initiatives.
Governor Wisley Rotich of Elgeyo Marakwet officially signed the agreement on November 2, 2024, marking a significant step forward for the county renowned for producing world-class athletes.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor Rotich highlighted the partnership’s potential impact on the county’s rich athletic heritage.
“This collaboration goes beyond sports; it’s about creating lasting opportunities for our coaches and athletes,” Rotich said. “Through this partnership with Miramas, we’re not only building a foundation for athletic excellence but also for educational and cultural exchange that will benefit future generations.”
House of coaches initiative: What it entails
The “House of Coaches” initiative, at the heart of the partnership, will see twelve Kenyan coaches—six men and six women—undergo training in Iten, the iconic training hub for athletics. Following this, the coaches will travel to Miramas for further intensive training to deepen their expertise and connect with international counterparts.
Leading the French delegation, Miramas Mayor Frédéric Vigouroux expressed his enthusiasm for the program’s potential to foster stronger ties between the two regions.
“This is a unique chance for Miramas to learn from Kenya’s deep athletic expertise and share our own training philosophies,” Vigouroux noted. “Together, we are building bridges that connect our communities and inspire both our cultures.”
The partnership also aims to establish a well-coordinated training ecosystem, opening doors for athletes and coaches who demonstrate coaching potential to pursue new career paths.
Additionally, successful coaches will have opportunities to advance their professional careers within Kenya, creating a sustainable cycle of local athletic development.
Candidate pre-selection for the program is set to begin next week, with initial training planned for December. Participants will then travel to Miramas early next year for advanced training, fostering a cross-cultural exchange in athletics and sports education that is set to empower both communities.
