Just ten days ago, the world of athletics witnessed incredible feats at the Prefontaine Classic, where Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon both shattered world records. 

David Rudisha still holds the 800 m world record. In the marathon, Ruth Chepngetich is the current women's world record holder, while the late Kelvin Kiptum remains the men's marathon world record holder.

When it comes to the men's marathon, the Rift Valley stands out: 16 of the 20 fastest times globally have been achieved by its athletes.

Indeed, the Kenyan Rift Valley holds global recognition not only for its distinct geographical features but also as the birthplace and training ground for numerous athletic icons. 

Perhaps the region known for its love of cattle has a love for the cattle hide in the form of a football.

Aldrine Kibet: A True Son of the Rift

Rift Valley is once again the flavour of the Kenyan sports menu, and this time. The big change is that a footballer, Aldrine Kibet, is the entrée.

Kibet is very much a son of the Rift. He started his schooling in Poror in Baringo before moving to Mama Ngina Primary in Nakuru. For high school, he was at the North Rift Giants, St. Anthony's Boys High School, Kitale. 

He first gained national recognition in football at the 2023 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term Two Games in Kakamega. There, he not only helped secure the football title for St. Anthony’s but was also crowned the Most Valuable Player. 

This week, his football journey has taken him closer to a Spanish La Liga debut. He has just signed a four-year contract with Celta Vigo B.

It is not that Rift Valley has not had football stars or teams; it just has never been top of mind when it comes to football talent. A look at recent events in the local scene shows there is quality football talent in the region.

The new Celta Vigo player is not the only football talent from Baringo, the county gifted the Kenya Premier League side Mathare United a winger. 

Elias Kibet came straight from a Baringo Sub-county team, Kabel FC, to be a key member of the side while they were still playing in the NSL. After gaining promotion to the KPL, he has had a chance to showcase his talent at the very top.

Evidence From Chapa and Cheza Dimba 

The Tujiamini Cheza Dimba by SportPesa and Chapa Dimba by Safaricom are competitions that seek to unearth grassroots talent. It's quite telling that the final from both these events featured teams from Eldoret.

Although PASC Langa and Eldoret FC ultimately lost their national finals, their achievements underscore a crucial point: Kenya's athletics stronghold is now proving itself as a burgeoning football cradle as well.

In fact, Eldoret did quite well for themselves. According to Tisini's data-driven analysis, Eldoret FC dominated the "Team of the Finals" at the Cheza Dimba championship, with six of their players earning spots.

The Fans Are Ready

One can't mention football in the Rift Valley without mentioning APS Bomet. The team were runners-up in the FKF NSL, finishing 4 points behind Nairobi United.

This is no mean feat; remember, Nairobi United beat four KPL teams on their way to winning the FKF Cup.

Even more impressive than APS Bomet's performance is their devoted fan base. They've been known to pack the Bomet IAAF Stadium, located on the outskirts of town, in numbers that even Kenya Premier League (KPL) teams would envy.

The CEO, Madam Rose Chemutai, was quoted saying, “We are not just building a team; we are building a movement.”

Scenes from this Rift Valley stadium are another sign that the region not only has ready football talent like Aldrine Kibet but also a strong fan base that loves the beautiful game.

Feature Image Credit: Capital