SKORELINE

Lilian Odira to represent Kenya in the women's 800m at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing. Photo COURTESY While it is commendable that 10 Kenyan athletes, with a strong female representation, will be competing at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, there is a growing sense of unease about the country’s performance trajectory in these indoor meets. With a total of 576 athletes, including 264 women, vying for glory, it is clear that Kenya is sending a squad with immense potential. However, it also highlights a fundamental issue: Why is Kenya only sending 10 athletes, and why does it seem the same few names, like Lilian Odira and Vivian Chebet Kiprotich, are being relied upon to carry the hopes of a nation? Kenya has long been a powerhouse in long-distance running, particularly on the global stage. The lack of substantial progress in indoor events, as demonstrated by the disappointing result at the 2024 Glasgow Indoor Games where the...

Lionesses celebrate after thumping Uganda. Photo Courtesy. In a stunning achievement that will resonate for years to come, the Kenya Lionesses rugby team claimed their first-ever international tournament title by winning the first leg of the 2025 Challenger Series. The historic 17-12 victory over Argentina in the final was more than just a win. It was a testament to the resilience, determination and strength of the women on the team, who have faced countless challenges on their journey to the top. Today, as the world celebrates International Women's Day, the Lionesses stand as a shining example of what women can achieve when they are given the opportunity and support. In a country where women's rugby has often been sidelined, these women are not just playing a sport, they are breaking barriers and rewriting the narrative of what is possible. Kenya has long sought to qualify for the prestigious HSBC Sevens Series, a platform that has been elusive for the country sinc...

Exploiting Players for Fame and Gain In Narok County, a region famed for its wildlife, rich Maasai culture and expansive landscapes, grassroots sports tournaments have become a common feature in the local community. Every year, players from various backgrounds come together for soccer, volleyball and athletics competitions, hoping to showcase their talents, gain recognition and potentially secure a future in professional sports. But for many, what starts as an exciting opportunity to compete often turns into a harsh reality: exploitation. Behind the flash of event banners and promises of community development, the true cost of these tournaments is often paid in sweat, blood and dreams shattered. Players often go home injured, exhausted and, most painfully, empty-handed. Most of these tournaments are organized by local politicians and leaders with aspirations that go far beyond sports. For many, it is a means to gain popularity and make a name for themselves ahead of the next electi...

IDEA is a national organisation based on the principles equipping a generation to create positive and sustainable environmental change. PHOTO by Kim. In a remarkable show of support for education, the International Dialogue for Environmental Action (IDEA) launched its extension building construction program today at Olmagutian Primary School in Narok County. The initiative, aimed at expanding the school to meet the needs of its growing student population, is already well underway with the construction of two new classrooms. Deputy Headteacher Philip Ntaiya took the opportunity to thank IDEA for their invaluable contribution. "We are truly grateful to IDEA for their generosity and commitment to the development of our school," he said. "The ongoing construction of two new classrooms is a much-needed step in improving our school environment and we look forward to the positive changes to our students." Headteacher Rael Naisawa also expressed her appreciation, acknowledg...

In the vibrant county of Kajiado, Kenya, an unexpected alliance of environmental advocates has emerged: the Ongata Rongai Boxing Club. Led by the unwavering coach, Michael Otieno Ragot, they are stepping out of the boxing ring and onto the streets to advocate for a critical cause—the protection of their environment. Since 2020, the Ongata Rongai Boxing Club (ORBC) has been dedicated to improving their town through a combination of boxing and environmental action. They have made tree planting and regular waste removal a regular part of their activities. Given that 99% of plastics are made from fossil fuels, their production contributes to climate change. Plastics also release greenhouse gases when they degrade or are burned. Approximately 3.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to plastics. The club is committed to addressing this issue and making a difference. Coach Ragot  says,  "As ORBC, we deeply care about our  e...

Sisters defy all odds in Narok County In many parts of the world, extreme poverty is a serious issue for young girls, particularly for those who have recently become mothers. This situation often hinders their education and limits their economic opportunities. Two sisters are defiling the odds in Olomismis location, Narok County where majority of the young girls drop out of school to marry early or where the same girls during early marriages and teenage pregnancies are able to reveal. Lanoi, a 17-year-old high school student, is a mother who faces the challenge of balancing her education with parenting. She is determined to finish her schooling and provide a better future for herself, despite the obstacles she faces. (Her name has been altered to protect her privacy and allow her to share her story freely.) Lanoi's situation highlights the challenges that young girls, particularly those in rural areas, often encounter early in life, affecting their education and personal develo...