Why Mark Otieno fears reverse of gains made by Kenyan sprinters
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 18.03.26. | 20:14
The second-fastest man in Kenya pointed to the deteriorating condition of the Kasarani Annex track, where many athletes currently train, as a major concern
Kenya’s sprint star Mark Otieno has raised alarm over the state of training facilities in the country, warning that short distance athletes may never realise full potential if urgent improvements are not made.
The second-fastest man in Kenya pointed to the deteriorating condition of the Kasarani Annex track, where many athletes currently train, as a major concern.
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The facility’s tartan surface was last installed ahead of the 2017 IAAF World U18 Championships at Kasarani Stadium and has not been renovated since.
Years of exposure to harsh weather conditions, including heavy rains and intense sun, have taken a toll on the track, leaving it worn out and excessively hard.
Otieno says this has made it unsafe for athletes who rely on it for daily training.
“I am really looking forward to 2026 and, more importantly, to seeing greater support for track and field. At the moment, it feels like athletics is once again being overshadowed, with much of the focus going to football, yet we do not even have adequate facilities to train,” Otieno told Mozzart Sport.
A well-maintained tartan track is designed to strike a balance between firmness and cushioning, allowing athletes to generate speed while minimizing the impact on their bodies.
However, when the surface becomes too hard, it significantly increases the risk of injury.
The force from repeated foot strikes is transferred directly to the joints, exposing athletes to issues such as shin splints, stress fractures, and tendon injuries.
The lack of proper shock absorption also forces muscles to work harder, leading to fatigue and a higher likelihood of strains.
Over time, this not only affects performance but can also result in long-term injuries that shorten athletic careers.
For sprinters like Otieno, whose performance depends on explosive power and efficient energy return, a compromised track surface can be the difference between peak performance and decline.
“Right now, Kasarani is not conducive for us, and I am genuinely concerned about injuries due to the surfaces we are using. The tartan is too hard, and in the long run, performance will drop because of the lack of proper facilities,” he added.
Otieno also called for greater access to existing stadiums and an increase in competition opportunities, noting that limited facilities are holding athletes back.
He urged authorities to open venues such as Nyayo Stadium to allow more athletes to train in safer and more suitable environments.
“Open the stadiums for athletes and increase the number of competitions so we can ignite more fire and see better performances heading into 2026,” he said.