Barnaba Korir: Use Kenyan athletes to market the Kenya

Barnaba Korir, the Director for Youth and Development at Athletics Kenya (AK), is urging both the government and private companies to use Kenya’s world-famous athletes in promoting the country.

Speaking on the Chamgei FM breakfast show hosted by Royal Media Services on Tuesday, Korir made a heartfelt appeal.

He said athletes like 800m world champion Mary Moraa, marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, and Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala are not just sports stars — they are powerful ambassadors who carry the image of Kenya across the globe.

“We have the best athletes in the world, but are we really using them?” Korir asked.

Athletes Are Kenya’s Biggest Ambassadors

Korir emphasized that Kenya’s runners are more than just medal winners. According to him, their performances at international events have brought Kenya global fame and recognition.

“Our athletes have placed Kenya on the world map,” he said. “But sadly, we are doing very little to take advantage of their influence to promote our country.”

He believes that athletes can help attract more tourists, investors, and international attention, but only if they are given the right platforms and visibility.

Put Our Stars on Billboards and TV Ads

Korir is calling on brands, companies, and government officials to step in and support Kenyan athletes by using them in advertising, marketing campaigns, and tourism promotions.

“Let’s see Mary Moraa, Omanyala, and Kipchoge on billboards, in TV commercials, and across the media. They are proud flag bearers of our country,” Korir added.

He believes this kind of visibility will not only boost the athletes’ careers but also create national pride and inspire future generations.

Faith Kipyegon’s Brave Attempt Deserves Praise

Korir also spoke about Faith Kipyegon’s incredible attempt to break the four-minute mile barrier. He traveled with her to Paris last week, where she ran at the Nike Breaking4 event.

Even though Faith didn’t break the sub-4 barrier, she still ran the fastest mile in history under any conditions — clocking 4:06.42, which is even faster than her current official world record of 4:07.64 set in 2023.

“Kenya should give Faith her flowers,” said Korir. “Running 60 seconds per lap, four times, plus nine extra metres — that’s extremely tough. I was a miler myself, so I know just how hard that is.”

A Well-Organized Event in Paris

Korir praised the planning and setup of the Paris event, saying everything was well thought out, even the timing of the race at sunset at Stade Charléty.

“It reminded me of Roger Bannister’s historic 1954 mile run. Everything was scientific — from the use of pacemakers to aerodynamic planning,” he explained.

Faith wore a specially designed racing suit and custom-made spikes for the event, showing how modern technology is changing the sport.

Kenya Must See the Bigger Picture

Korir compared Faith’s bold effort to Eliud Kipchoge’s INEOS 1:59 challenge, which made headlines across the world when he became the first man to run a marathon in under two hours.

“Just like Kipchoge’s run made Kenya shine globally, Faith’s attempt was also huge. Kenya must see the bigger picture,” said Korir.

He believes that supporting athletes like Faith, Kipchoge, Omanyala, and Moraa will help Kenya build a strong global image and become known not just for winning medals, but also for celebrating and uplifting its heroes.