The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) has officially entered into a landmark partnership with the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant step toward enhanced collaboration in sports development ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games in the USA.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NOC-K President Shadrack Maluki highlighted the complementary strengths of both countries. The agreement was signed in Kingston at the Jamaica Pegasus alongside JOA President Christopher Samuda, formalising a partnership aimed at strengthening athletic excellence, knowledge exchange, and cultural ties between the two nations.
“We are looking at a future where we share experiences and expertise. Jamaica has excelled in sprint events, while Kenya has built global dominance in middle- and long-distance running. Bringing these strengths together positions both nations as formidable forces in global sport,” said Maluki.
The partnership will facilitate exchange programmes for athletes and coaches, enabling Jamaican teams to train in Kenya’s high-altitude environments while Kenyan athletes gain exposure to Jamaica’s elite sprinting systems.
Maluki noted that the MOU builds on an existing relationship, with Kenyan junior athletes having previously trained and competed in Jamaica, including participation in the ISSA GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships.
“This agreement ensures the relationship becomes truly reciprocal. We want Jamaican athletes to come to Nairobi, experience our training environment, and for Kenyans to continue benefiting from Jamaica’s expertise. Beyond sport, this is about cultural exchange and long-term cooperation,” he added.
JOA President Samuda described the MOU as a model partnership that could inspire similar collaborations globally.
“This is a strategic step as we prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games. By combining our strengths and aspirations, we are creating opportunities not just in track and field, but across multiple Olympic disciplines,” Samuda said.
The agreement outlines collaboration in six to seven sports disciplines at a time, focusing on building technical capacity, enhancing coaching standards, and improving athlete performance. Both organisations have expressed confidence that the partnership will extend beyond the Olympic cycle, ensuring sustained long-term impact.
This historic alliance underscores NOC-K’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that elevate Kenya’s sporting excellence while promoting unity, cultural exchange, and global competitiveness.