Athletics Kenya (AK) have launched a comprehensive exercise to help improve the skills of Kenyan athletes ahead of major global shows.
Speaking on Monday at a day-long performance strategic meeting held at a Nairobi hotel, AK president Jack Tuwei said they would work closely with local coaches to present competitive teams.
"I wish you well as you discuss these pertinent issues. Let us come up with recommendations on how we can improve. We look forward to the ideas you will provide at the end of the day," Tuwei said.
The local governing body's vice president Paul Mutwii encouraged the coaches to formulate proactive policies and strategies.
"Give us ideas to implement so we can win more medals as Kenyan athletes," Mutwii said.
AK technical director Ibrahim Hussein reiterated the importance of proper preparations in enhancing Kenya's dominance as an athletics powerhouse.
"This is the right direction for us. We need to sit down, analyse and know where we have come from, where we are and we are going," Hussein said.
"I know of coaches who may not have the papers but are doing a very wonderful job at the grassroots to nurture athletes. We need to sit as coaches and help one another," said the former New York and Boston marathon champion.
Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) representative Victor Gichiari urged participants to develop training programs that don't place physical and psychological strain on the athletes.
"You need to do fitness testing including health and skill-related components. If you want to develop a good coaching program, you need to be knowledgeable about your athlete," he said.
"The coaching program should be geared towards sportsmanship. Do not overburden your athletes to the extent they contemplate doping," he said.
AK youth development subcommittee chairman Barnaba Korir encouraged the coaches to enlighten themselves on the qualification rules for the two major competitions.
"The pathway to the World Championships is very narrow because the rules have changed a lot. As you are aware, this time round we will not have the fastest loser from every race but rather a repechage for all the losers to compete once again to qualify for the next round," Korir said.
He said the workshop was necessary to guide AK, the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK), and the government on the resources required to prepare Team Kenya for both events.
"This is a very important meeting and the first time we are having it. Coaches and AK should work in tandem to guide on what we need to do to prepare," he said.
