Koitaleel Samoei, Tampere enter into partnership

Koitaleel Samoei University College [Courtesy]

A Finnish and a Kenyan University have launched a partnership to train athletes on skills in a bid to engage sportsmen and women in sports management.

Tampere University of Applied Sciences of Finland and Kenya’s Koitaleel Samoei University, a constituent college of the University of Nairobi yesterday said the partnership aims at preparing athletes for careers in coaching, sports management and athlete support roles after their careers in running.

Koitaleel University Principal Jackson Too said the two institutions are currently preparing a sports curriculum tailored to prepare active athletes for other careers like physiotherapy, management and communication among other fields.

The two institutions took part in a forum themed Linking Education, Sports and Industry, and which was graced by legendary athletes Kipchoge Keino and Tecla Chemabwai, in Eldoret as well as top county officials from Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet.

“Our objective is to promote sports science, career development for athletes as well as development of policies which will enable sports in Kenya to grow,” Prof Too said.

Koitaleel Samoei University College is located in Nandi.

The Principal said apart from athletics, the proposed sports training curriculum is designed to produce technical experts in other sports disciplines such as basketball, volleyball and rugby.

“We are located in the source of champions and we have identified sports as a niche area for us to develop and to nurture,” he said.

Director of partnerships at Tampere Adult Education Centre and Tampere School of Applied Sciences, Peter Pertula said work skills to be introduced under the partnership will offer athletes alternative life skills.