Tennis coach Audrey Oronda named among 26 global IOC young leaders
Her selection outlines not only her dedication but also the increasing global recognition of Kenyan youth as transformative agents in sport and society.
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) has formally conferred the selection of Audrey Oronda, a table tennis coach from Kilifi County, as a beneficiary of the 2025–2028 IOC Young Leaders Programme.
The occasion, held at the Kilifi County offices, was hosted by Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa and presided over by IOC Member and NOCK President Paul Tergat, who was accompanied by Secretary General Francis Mutuku.
Oronda is one of only 26 young leaders globally selected for this prestigious four-year programme from an outstanding pool of 5,270 applicants representing 169 countries and territories. Her selection outlines not only her dedication but also the increasing global recognition of Kenyan youth as transformative agents in sport and society.
Oronda’s project, based in Kilifi County, uniquely harnesses table tennis as a therapeutic intervention for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. The initiative capitalises on the sport’s ability to enhance motor skills, coordination, and mental agility—key factors in managing the condition. In addition to improving quality of life, the program actively combats stigma and promotes awareness, contributing to a more informed and inclusive community around neurological health.
The IOC Young Leaders Programme, established by the International Olympic Committee, is a flagship initiative aimed at equipping young people to drive social change through sport. Participants receive seed funding, expert mentorship, leadership development, and global exposure to deliver impact-driven projects within their communities. The program directly supports Olympism365, the IOC’s strategy to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through sport.
Oronda follows in the footsteps of previous Kenyan beneficiaries, including: Pauline Msungu (2021–2024), who championed Beyond Sports Kenya, a youth-led organization advocating for gender equality through football-based mentorship and community development in the Rift Valley.
Joseph Owino (2023–2026) is currently developing a national Inter-University Para-Sports Competition and Talent Search aimed at amplifying the inclusion of students with disabilities in sport across Kenya’s higher learning institutions.
Each IOC Young Leader receives multi-year seed funding to support project implementation, monthly expert-led workshops and one-on-one mentorship-Access to global thought leaders and inspirational figures, invitations to the bi-annual IOC Youth Summit and global gatherings. Also available are exclusive leadership coaching and development opportunities plus a dedicated support team throughout the program journey.
