From the legendary David Lekuta Rudisha, the world 800m record holder and double Olympic champion to Phanuel Koech, the 1,500m Diamond League winner, St. Francis Boys Kimuron continues to nurture world-beating talent, not only in athletics but also in football and handball.
Located about 15km from Iten town, the headquarters of Elgeyo Marakwet County, the school takes pride in producing top-tier athletes, record holders and elite sportsmen gracing tracks and stadiums across the world.
Tucked away in the remote Kapkatui village and surrounded by the lush Kapchemotwa Forest, Kimuron enjoys a serene environment with clean air and high altitude, ideal conditions for endurance training.
A Tradition of Excellence
According to the school principal, Boniface Francis Kunusia, Kimuron’s consistent success stems from its unique environment, altitude, and rich sporting heritage.
“We had Rudisha and now young Phanuel, among others, who have kept the tradition alive and inspired the next generation,” Kunusia said. “This year we reached the Rift Valley regional soccer finals, losing narrowly to St. Joseph’s Kitale (JOBO) 1–0, but we’re confident of going all the way to East Africa next year.”
Kunusia emphasizes that at Kimuron, sports are not treated as inferior to academics, both are integral to the school’s philosophy.
“We treat sports as equally important as academics. The results speak for themselves, sports have helped market the school and lifted some families out of poverty,” he explained.
The school’s success goes beyond athletics
“We have former students like Nestroy Otieno at Tusker FC and Emmanuel Wekesa, Bandari FC’s goalkeeper. In handball, we’ve reached regional championships three times, and we’re optimistic about sending three teams to next year’s nationals. And of course, we’ve never missed having our athletes on the national team,” added Kunusia.
Challenges in Pursuit of Glory
Despite the ideal environment, the school faces significant challenges due to inadequate training facilities.
“We usually take students to Kamariny Stadium for speed work, several kilometres away. It’s tough,” Kunusia lamented. “We wish stakeholders would help us develop our own field.”
He also expressed concern over losing top talents to rival schools offering scholarships.
“We’ve lost our top goalkeeper to JOBO and another player, Kapchanga, to St. Anthony’s Kitale. We wish them well, but we need sponsors to retain such talents,” he said.
Support System and Values
The school’s progress is strengthened by the support from its Board of Management, alumni like Stephen Kangogo, and the Catholic Church, alongside backing from the county government.
Character formation remains central to Kimuron’s approach.
“Even when our students earn money or fame, we emphasize humility. Rudisha, despite his global status, always respected his teachers. Discipline is everything,” Kunusia noted.
Balancing Academics and Athletics
Kunusia, who also teaches English, takes pride in his students’ communication skills and academic effort.
“I make sure my athletes speak well. If they don’t, I know I’ve failed them,” he said with a smile. “They might come in with low marks, but through guidance and effort, they improve.”
The school ensures that athletes who miss lessons due to training get make-up sessions.
“Teachers create time for them to recover lost hours after field work,” he explained.
The principal proudly notes that no athlete at the school has ever ranked last in class.
“Our top Form Two student is an athlete. Many of our boys qualify for scholarships in the U.S. through both their sporting and academic discipline,” he said.
The Champions’ Legacy
Kimuron boasts a long list of world-class athletes. Apart from Rudisha, the school produced Festus Kiprono, former African Junior Champion, Lucas Rotich, former World Youth Silver Medalist and Eindhoven Marathon champion, Daniel Selel, Stephen Kiprotich, Africa Junior 3,000m steeplechase champion, Emmanuel Korir, Olympic and World 800m champion, Charles Simotwo, 1,500m specialist, John Korir, Chicago and Boston Marathon champion, Edward Koonyo Konana, Cape Town Marathon champion, Phanuel Koech, Cyrus Ruto, Bernard Kendagor, Edwin Kosgey, Festus Koech, Brian Limo, and Mathew Kosgei among others.
Coach’s Perspective
Athletics coach Boniface Limo says Kimuron holds a world record of its own.
“There’s no other school that has produced two Olympic 800m champions in succession — Rudisha (2012 & 2016) and Korir (2020). That’s historic,” he said.
“Our current and former athletes continue to represent Kenya across all distances, from sprints to marathons.”
Scholarships and Future Stars
Beyond athletics glory, Kimuron has become a gateway to education abroad.
“Athletes like Victor Cheruiyot (University of Alabama), Mathew Bii (Mexico University), and Brian Kiptoo (University of Tennessee) are now studying abroad thanks to their talent,” Limo said.
He added that the school has never failed to produce a gold medalist at national or FEASSSA competitions.
“Our boys, Franklin Kimutai, Mathew Kosgey, Dunson Kimutai, Emmanuel Kiprono, Cornelius Kiprono, Emmanuel Rono, and Benson Kirongos are all champions,” he noted.
At this year’s Africa Under-18/20 Championships, Emmanuel Kiprono won gold in the 3,000m.
“Our success comes from the supportive environment and a principal who truly loves sports,” Limo concluded.
With its unique blend of altitude, discipline, and passion, St. Francis Boys Kimuron continues to be a beacon of sporting excellence. From producing Olympic champions to nurturing humble, well-rounded young men, the school remains a shining example of how sports and education can coexist and transform lives.