Kenya and Jamaica Sign Landmark Olympic Partnership Ahead of LA 2028 Games

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) has officially signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), setting the stage for deeper cooperation in sports development ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The agreement was signed in Kingston at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel by NOC-K President Shadrack Maluki and JOA President Christopher Samuda, marking a major step in formalising long-standing relations between the two athletics powerhouses.

The partnership brings together two nations known for global dominance in different areas of track and field, with Jamaica excelling in sprint events and Kenya widely regarded for its strength in middle- and long-distance running.

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Maluki said the collaboration is designed to harness these complementary strengths for mutual benefit and long-term success on the global stage.

“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,” Maluki said.

A key pillar of the agreement is the establishment of structured exchange programmes that will allow athletes and coaches from both countries to train and learn in different environments.

Under the arrangement, Jamaican athletes will have the opportunity to train in Kenya’s high-altitude regions, while Kenyan athletes will gain exposure to Jamaica’s highly developed sprint training systems and competitive structures.

Maluki noted that the MOU builds on existing cooperation between the two nations, highlighting previous instances where Kenyan junior athletes have trained and competed in Jamaica, including participation in the prestigious ISSA GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships.

He stressed that the new agreement formalises and expands that relationship into a more structured and reciprocal framework.

“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,” Maluki added.

Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda described the partnership as a strategic and forward-looking model that could inspire similar collaborations across the sporting world.

He said the agreement is part of a broader effort to strengthen preparation for the Olympic Games while also improving athlete development systems across multiple disciplines.

“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 stated.

The MOU outlines cooperation across approximately six to seven sporting disciplines, focusing on improving technical capacity, enhancing coaching standards, and elevating athlete performance at elite level.

Both organisations have expressed confidence that the partnership will extend well beyond the 2028 Olympic cycle, ensuring sustained benefits for athletes, coaches, and sporting institutions in both countries.

The agreement also reflects a shared vision of promoting not only sporting excellence but also cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and stronger international relations through sport.

This historic alliance underscores NOC-K’s commitment to building global partnerships that strengthen Kenya’s sporting competitiveness while also opening new pathways for collaboration and development.

With both nations targeting success at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and beyond, the agreement represents a significant step toward deeper cooperation and shared sporting success on the world stage.