The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) and global sportswear giant Nike have reaffirmed their decades-long partnership, setting the stage for renewed collaboration ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Newly elected NOC-K President Shadrack Maluki on Thursday met with Nike representative Robert Lotwis in Nairobi to discuss the future of the partnership, which has been a cornerstone of Kenya’s international sports presence since 1993. Also present at the meeting were NOC-K Secretary General John Ogolla and First Deputy President Barnaba Korir.
Lotwis reiterated Nike’s commitment to supporting Kenyan athletes beyond kitting, emphasizing the company’s continued investment in talent development and youth support programs. “Nike’s collaboration with Kenya is more than just a sponsorship, it’s a shared journey of excellence, innovation, and impact,” he noted.
Over the years, the partnership has not only elevated Kenya’s global reputation in athletics but has also nurtured iconic moments, such as Eliud Kipchoge’s historic sub-two-hour marathon and Faith Kipyegon’s world record-breaking performances through the Breaking4 initiative.
Speaking after the meeting, Maluki expressed appreciation for Nike’s long-standing support. “We’ve had a truly successful journey with Nike, one that has seen Kenyan athletes proudly shine on the world stage in our national colours. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support, which has played a crucial role in raising the profile of both our athletes and our country.”
Both parties expressed interest in expanding the scope of collaboration to better meet the evolving needs of Kenyan athletes in the lead-up to future Olympic events.
Lotwis’s visit to Kenya also included attending the recent NOC-K elections and observing the Tokyo World Championship trials, underscoring Nike’s role as a deeply engaged stakeholder in Kenyan sports.
Written By Rodney Mbua
