In a momentous occasion that echoed the commitment to nurturing young athletes and championing academic excellence, the Ministry of Sports, under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Hon. Ababu Namwamba, unveiled Transcend Talent Academy, the first Talent Academy under the groundbreaking Talanta Hela Initiative. The event, which took place on September 3rd, was a significant stride in Kenya’s dedication to fostering the growth of budding athletes while also emphasizing the importance of education.
Nestled in the heart of Trans-Nzoia County, Cherangany Constituency, Transcend Talent Academy has emerged as a pivotal platform for young and aspiring athletes to hone their skills while pursuing their studies. Founded by former athlete Hon. Wesley Korir, the academy’s ethos perfectly aligns with the overarching goals of the Talanta Hela program, which is dedicated to the identification, development, and nurturing of talents, ultimately creating pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
The official unveiling of Transcend Talent Academy as the first Talent Academy under the Talanta Hela program was marked by a distinguished gathering, signifying the government’s commitment to talent development. To cement this commitment, the academy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kenya Academy of Sports, underscoring the Ministry’s pledge to create a robust talent development pipeline.
During the event, CS Ababu Namwamba emphasized that the academy’s approach harmonizes perfectly with the aspiration to balance talent development and academic excellence. He noted that developing sporting talents and advancing academic pursuits should not be an either-or choice for Kenyan children. The government’s commitment to replicating the Transcend Academy model nationwide was also highlighted, with plans to establish 50 initial academies across the country, categorized into three tiers: school-based, community-based, and integrated into existing sporting institutions.
CS Namwamba reiterated the Kenya Kwanza administration’s unwavering support for talent monetization and called for partnerships to achieve the initiative’s goal of building sustainable livelihoods through talent, a vision he attributed to H.E. President William Ruto.
The Talanta Hela program’s core pillar is forging partnerships to create a talent progression pipeline, utilizing resources like Transcend Academy to harness talent’s full potential for the benefit of athletes and the wider community. CS Ababu Namwamba stressed that the Ministry aims to be an integral part of athletes’ development journeys, not just celebrating their triumphs but contributing to their progress.
Founder Hon. Wesley Korir commended CS Namwamba for his passion and dedication to the Talanta Hela initiative, describing it as a game-changer that would unlock the full potential of Kenya’s sportsmen and women. He expressed his unwavering confidence that this initiative would leave an indelible legacy, providing aspiring athletes with the opportunities they need to excel and succeed in their chosen fields.
