Students with athletic aspirations had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills during a two-day Grade 10 selection trial, designed to identify promising athletes for full scholarships at the Transcend Talent Academy in Cherang’any Constituency.
The Director of Transcend Talent Academy Wesley Korir said the initiative, powered by KCB Foundation and the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS), is part of the academy’s commitment to nurturing both athletic talent and academic excellence.
“This year, we are targeting about 75 students for full scholarships,” Korir said during the event held at the Zion Transcend Talent Academy sports complex in Cherang’any.
The Grade 10 trials are part of a wider program aimed at offering full scholarships to students joining secondary school. KCB Foundation will sponsor 75 students, while Kenya Kids Foundation will support an additional 50, bringing the total to 125 scholarships.
The scholarships will cover tuition and provide athletes with training and resources to succeed academically and in sports.
“We aim to give students an opportunity to grow academically while excelling in athletics. This approach helps us develop well-rounded individuals by nurturing future sports stars and strengthening their educational foundation,” Korir said.
The former Cherang’any Member of Parliament noted that one of the academy’s key strengths is its focus on both academic and athletic development.
“Some young athletes may struggle academically, but many improve significantly by the time they complete their studies. We provide opportunities for growth in both education and sports,” he explained.
The academy has recorded strong outcomes, achieving a 100 percent transition rate for graduates. Last year, about 90 percent of 33 students joined universities, while others pursued professional sports careers.
“Our goal is to create opportunities that help students succeed in class and on the track, whether they choose university education or professional athletics,” Korir said.
In addition to scholarships, the academy is building partnerships with universities, including the University of Eldoret, to support smooth transitions into higher education and competitive sports.
“We are working with the University of Eldoret to create clear pathways from the academy to university-level athletics, ensuring long-term academic and athletic support,” Korir said.
The academy is also expanding its international exposure programs. In July 2026, Newcastle Academy will host a football training camp at the facility to develop young football talent.
“This will allow our students to train with international coaches and sharpen their skills from an early age,” Korir added.
The state-of-the-art sports complex, currently under development, will feature a world-class athletics track, football pitch, volleyball and basketball courts, a swimming pool, and specialized facilities for long jump, triple jump, tennis, and other sports.
The project is being funded through a partnership with Zion, a U.S.-based company, and the Kenya Kids Foundation. Once complete, the facility is expected to rank among the country’s top training centers.
“This facility will help us deliver high-quality training and prepare athletes for national and international competition,” Korir said.
Korir also highlighted the importance of educating young athletes on the dangers of doping, describing it as a major challenge in Kenyan sports.
“Doping developed because it was ignored. By keeping young athletes in school and focused on training, we build character. At Transcend, we emphasize integrity and strong moral values alongside athletic development,” he said.
Another key component of the academy’s program is financial literacy. Korir stressed the need to equip athletes with money management skills as they transition into professional careers.
“Developing an athlete means developing the whole person. We prepare them for life on and off the track, including financial management to secure their future,” he said.
Kenya Academy of Sports Senior Principal Officer, Mrs. Anastacia Cheruiyot, praised the partnership between Transcend Talent Academy, KCB Foundation, and KAS, noting its role in early talent identification.
“This partnership shows how collaboration can transform sports development in Kenya. Government efforts alone are not enough, making such partnerships essential,” Cheruiyot said.
She noted that Kenya has over 150 registered sports disciplines and needs more programs like Transcend’s to support athletes in athletics, ball games, and other sports.
“These partnerships will expand opportunities for young people, enabling them to contribute to the economy and national development,” Cheruiyot added.
