Ferdinand Omanyala reveals details of partnership with Kenyan school
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 14.12.25. | 12:11
The Omanyala Foundation operates on three key pillars:
Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, has announced a new partnership with Merishaw School aimed at identifying and nurturing sprinting talent from a young age.
Omanyala will visit Merishaw School on Wednesday, 17 December, during the institution’s Open Week, an event the school described as a major milestone in its efforts to promote sports and athletics. During the visit, Omanyala is expected to inspire students, showcase elite sprinting, and encourage talent development.
In a statement announcing the collaboration, Merishaw School also revealed plans to launch a Sprint Club starting next term. The club will be mentored and trained by Omanyala, giving students a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of Africa’s finest sprinters through structured, professional training.
Speaking on the partnership, Omanyala emphasized the importance of laying a strong foundation early in an athlete’s journey.
“This partnership with Merishaw School is about planting the seed early. We want to create an environment where young athletes can discover sprinting, enjoy it, and grow into it,” he said.
The Commonwealth Games champion added that the Merishaw initiative is just the beginning, with plans to expand the model to other schools across the country.
“The goal is not just Merishaw. We intend to set up sprint clubs in more schools because we want to develop the next generation of sprinters and give them a clear pathway from school to elite competition,” Omanyala noted.
He also highlighted the challenge of access to opportunities for many young athletes despite Kenya’s abundant sprinting talent.
“Sprint talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. By taking sprint clubs directly into schools, we are giving young athletes access, structure, and belief,” he explained.
Beyond his achievements on the track, Omanyala has increasingly focused on mentorship and development initiatives. He emphasized that the school-based sprint clubs align closely with his personal vision.
“This initiative aligns with my vision of giving back to the sport that has given me so much and ensuring that more Kenyan sprinters have the support and exposure they need from an early age,” he said.
The program is being driven through the Omanyala Foundation, which is dedicated to identifying and nurturing athletic talent. The foundation was established on the belief that every budding sprinter deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The Omanyala Foundation operates on three key pillars: developing sprinting talent in Kenya and across Africa, addressing climate change, and using sport as a tool to promote good health.
