The government has announced plans to construct state-of-the-art high-altitude training centres in Kericho, Nandi, and Iten, as part of a broader initiative to bolster the country’s reputation as a global hub for athletic excellence.
The project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Sports, aims to enhance training facilities for both local and international athletes.
The proposed centres will be located in Kapkatet (Kericho), Kapsabet (Nandi), and Kamariny (Iten), areas renowned for their high-altitude conditions, which are ideal for endurance training.
The facilities are expected to include modern training tracks, gymnasiums, accommodation, and medical facilities, providing a comprehensive environment for athletes to prepare for competitions.
High-altitude training is widely recognised for its benefits in improving endurance and performance. The thin air at high elevations stimulates the production of red blood cells, enhancing oxygen delivery to muscles.
According to the documents reviewed by Kenyans.co.ke, the High Altitude Training Centre (HATC) in Iten, will have amenities including a fully equipped, state-of-the-art gym featuring cardio machines, weight equipment, free weights, and floor mats, complemented by saunas in both changing rooms to aid recovery.
Athletes can utilise a 400-meter all-weather tartan track, unique in the region outside Nairobi, and a 25-meter swimming pool suitable for both recreational and training purposes. The center also offers physiotherapy and sports massage services, with certified therapists available to address injuries and facilitate recovery.
Furthermore, accommodation is provided on a full-board basis, encompassing single or double rooms with en-suite facilities, three daily meals, and access to all training amenities.
As for the Complete Sports Training Centre, located in Kaptagat, the center boasts a main building equipped with a gym, physiotherapy room, lounge, conference room, and guest accommodations.
Additional facilities include separate housing for male and female athletes, a 400-meter track coupled with a football field, and access to forest trails suitable for running and mountain biking.
The Rift Valley region, where the centres will be built, has long been a magnet for elite athletes seeking to capitalise on these physiological advantages.
Iten, in particular, has gained international acclaim as a training ground for world-class athletes. Many notable global runners, including Olympic champions and world record holders, have trained in Iten, drawn by its altitude and the presence of a vibrant athletic community.
The government through the Ministry of Sports, has invited eligible firms to bid for the construction of the three centres. The tenders, numbered SK/005/2024-2025, SK/006/2024-2025, and SK/007/2024-2025, were announced on Tuesday, March 18, with a submission deadline of March 28, 2025.
Interested bidders can obtain tender documents from Sports Kenya’s head office in Kasarani or download them from the organisation’s website. The documents outline the specifications and requirements for the construction projects, which are expected to meet international standards.
