NOC-K eyes LA 2028 as Team Kenya intensifies Glasgow Commonwealth Games preparations

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) has intensified preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with the multi-sport event being viewed as a crucial pathway to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

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Speaking during a corporate partnership event at Team Kenya's residential training camp at Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday, 8 July, NOC-K president Shadrack Maluki said the Glasgow Games represent much more than a medal hunt.

Team Kenya is currently in the final phase of residential training before departing for Scotland, where the Commonwealth Games will be held from 23 July to 2 August.

Maluki explained that the competition carries added significance because it offers athletes an opportunity to accumulate valuable qualification points for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

"These games are very important because, first of all, they are also Olympic LA 2028 qualifiers," said Maluki.

"They are quite important because athletes going there are going to earn points that will enable them again to qualify for LA 2028."

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Beyond qualification, the administrator said the Games will provide Kenya with a valuable opportunity to assess the level of competition from rival nations as preparations for the Olympics gather momentum.

According to the NOC-K boss, Kenyan technical officials will closely monitor performances by leading sporting nations to better understand the standards required to compete successfully at the Los Angeles Games.

"In terms of also gauging the other countries, how they are going to perform, we will be able to monitor. We are going there to monitor how other countries are performing, because this will shape our perceptions in terms of performance in LA 2028," he added.

The Commonwealth Games have traditionally served as an important development platform for athletes before the Olympic Games, and NOC-K believes this year's edition will once again provide invaluable international exposure for Team Kenya.

Maluki expressed confidence that the Kenyan contingent is ready for the challenge after weeks of intensive residential training, saying the athletes have been adequately prepared both physically and mentally to compete against some of the world's best.

He, however, emphasized that sustained success on the international stage requires continued investment, calling on the corporate sector to increase its support for Kenyan sports.

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Maluki praised the latest partnership with Bidco Africa, saying such collaborations are vital in improving athlete welfare and ensuring teams enjoy uninterrupted preparations ahead of major championships.

He also reminded stakeholders that winning medals is a long-term process that requires consistent planning and investment rather than last-minute interventions.

"These medals just can't come like picking them from the trees; you have got to prepare them mentally and got to prepare them emotionally. This is exactly what I am requesting the corporate world to come and do."