Team Kenya Eyes Commonwealth Glory as Government Promises Better Athlete Support
Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi speaking during Team Kenya flag- off ceremony in Nairobi on July 20, 2026.
Team Kenya has been officially flagged off for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with the government expressing confidence in the country’s athletes while reaffirming its commitment to improving sports infrastructure, athlete welfare and reward schemes.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs Salim Mvurya, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said the 180-member delegation represents the best of Kenyan talent and will carry the country’s hopes and sporting legacy onto one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.
“Today, we are not merely sending a delegation to an international competition. We are entrusting 180 exceptional Kenyans with the honour of carrying our identity, our heritage and the aspirations of our Republic onto one of the world’s greatest sporting stages,” Mwangi said.
The ceremony brought together senior government officials, sports administrators, coaches, technical officials and athletes as Kenya officially launched its campaign for the Games, with leaders expressing optimism that the team will once again deliver outstanding performances across several disciplines.
The Principal Secretary said every athlete had earned a place in Team Kenya through years of sacrifice, discipline and determination, urging them to compete with courage, respect and integrity while proudly flying the Kenyan flag. He noted that success should not only be measured by medals but also by the character and sportsmanship athletes display throughout the competition.
He said the government continues to invest heavily in sports infrastructure across the country to provide athletes with world-class training facilities while ensuring the facilities remain sustainable through additional services that benefit sports development. The PS also assured athletes that the government remains committed to honouring cash awards for medal winners and strengthening programmes aimed at supporting sports as a career and an economic opportunity for young people.
Representing the President, Deputy President of Sports David Kiplagat challenged Team Kenya to compete with determination and patriotism, reminding the athletes that millions of Kenyans would be rallying behind them throughout the Games.
“As you head to Glasgow, remember that you carry with you the hopes of every Kenyan child who dreams of becoming a champion. Compete with courage, conviction and pride, knowing an entire nation believes in you,” Kiplagat said.
He commended the athletes, coaches and support staff for their dedication during preparations and assured them of the government’s continued support in creating an environment that enables Kenyan athletes to excel on the international stage.
Meanwhile, Team Kenya captain and former world javelin champion Julius Yego called for the introduction of a clear national policy on athletes’ allowances, saying recurring disputes over payments continue to overshadow Kenya’s achievements during major international competitions.
Yego said uncertainty over allowances has remained one of the biggest concerns raised by athletes and urged the government to establish a standard payment structure that applies to all national teams.
“The main issue always comes from the athletes on allowances. There should be a clear policy so everyone knows what is payable. That way we can focus on competition instead of talking about allowances every time,” he said.
Yego also defended the importance of the Commonwealth Games, describing the event as a “mini Olympics” that brings together some of the world’s finest athletes. He said winning Commonwealth gold in 2014 laid the foundation for his World Championship success the following year and revealed that the Glasgow Games are likely to be his final appearance at the event.
Team Kenya will compete in several disciplines as the country seeks to add to its impressive Commonwealth Games medal tally and reinforce its reputation as one of the world’s leading sporting nations.
