Team Kenya Para-athletics coaches Henry Kirwa and Abraham Tarbei have called for regular and continuous preparations to build a formidable team for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
The coaches spoke after the conclusion of the Paris Games, where Team Kenya finished 74th overall in the medal table. The competition ended with a colorful closing ceremony at the Stade de France in Paris.
Long jumper Samson Ojuka was the only medalist for Kenya, winning silver in the T37 category, as the team struggled to make an impact on the track.
The duo urged the government to continue supporting them even after the Games to ensure a seamless preparation program, focusing on the next Summer Games.
Kirwa, the team’s head coach, lamented that while other countries like Tunisia and Morocco had been rigorously training in Iten well before this year’s Summer Games, Kenyan athletes had not been assembled for training camps until much later.
“We assembled just two months before the Paris Games, while our rivals had already spent several months training in Iten. This kind of planning and preparedness will certainly yield better results,” Kirwa revealed.
The multiple Paralympic champion added, “Athletes must be assembled in camps early so that by 2028, we can achieve outstanding performances from our athletes.”
He acknowledged the government’s support for this year’s Games, as the team camped in Kapsabet and later in Compiegne, France, but emphasized that early preparations are vital for Kenya to reclaim its winning form at the global level.
However, he praised the spirit and positive attitude displayed by Kenyan athletes during the Games, with many recording personal bests and season-best performances.
“Team Kenya captain Samuel Mushai and Mary Waithera achieved personal bests, while Nancy Chelagat posted a season-best time in the women’s T11 1500m race,” Kirwa remarked.
Meanwhile, former Paralympic gold medallist Abraham Tarbei expressed his excitement over Team Kenya’s performance.
He further encouraged the athletes, stating, “Participation is also important,” and urged the government to ensure increased participation in the 2028 Games.
