French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet and Elgewo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich unveil a plaque of the House of Coaches in Iten/CHARLENEMALWAThe partnership between Elgeyo Marakwet County and the French city of Miramas under the House of Coaches project is transforming Kenya’s sports landscape by equipping local coaches with international expertise.
Launched ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the initiative trained twelve Kenyan coaches—six women and six men—through a Sh51.2 million programme supported by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
It aims to empower local trainers, improve athlete welfare and promote gender equity in coaching.
Speaking during the Sports Awareness Event in Iten, French Ambassador to Kenya and Somalia Arnaud Suquet said the partnership shows how investing in coaching capacity uplifts athlete performance and community wellbeing.
“Through this collaboration, we have seen how professional training can transform not just coaches but entire sporting systems,” said Ambassador Suquet. “France remains committed to supporting Kenya in nurturing well-trained, gender-balanced coaching talent that can guide the next generation of champions.”
He said the project also focuses on mentorship, leadership and athlete protection to create safe, inclusive sporting environments.
Ministry of Sports Director Jaxon Indakwa said the partnership came at a crucial time when Kenya is raising coaching standards. “We have long recognised that our athletes cannot reach their full potential without qualified and motivated coaches,” he said. “The House of Coaches programme is a major step forward—especially for women in sport.”
Among the beneficiaries is Coach Sharon Chebii, who said the training came “at the right time when I really needed it.” She added, “I’ve now earned two certifications and had the privilege of training athletes like Agnes Chebet, helping them rehabilitate injuries.”
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich praised the collaboration, noting that trained coaches now serve as “Trainers of Trainers” across local schools.
The project’s first phase trained the coaches over a year, including six weeks in France at the high-performance centre CREPS. They have since trained nearly 1,000 Kenyan teachers in anatomy, physiology and athlete protection.
“We’re building not just champions,” said Ambassador Suquet, “but communities of excellence that inspire and empower generations.”
