Empowering athletes beyond sport
Practical education in financial literacy, entrepreneurship and long-term career development for Kenyan athletes.
5
Completed cohorts
61
Athletes trained
1
Alumni network
AWI Academy empowers athletes in Kenya through specialized training in financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
We create sustainable pathways from sporting excellence to long-term financial stability. Our mission is to bridge the gap between professional athletic careers and business success, so every athlete’s future is as bright as their talent.
The Challenge
For many Kenyan athletes, sport is more than a career. It carries responsibility, opportunity and the hope of building a better life.
Yet income from prize money, contracts and sponsorships can be irregular, and important financial decisions often have to be made without enough structure or guidance.
When injury, deselection or career transitions happen, the lack of stability and alternatives can become a serious challenge.
The AWI Program
AWI Academy was created to meet this reality. Our program provides athletes with practical, relevant education alongside their sporting careers.
Core areas of the program include:
Financial literacy — budgeting, saving, and prioritization in an irregular-income reality
Investments — fundamentals, risks and long-term thinking
Entrepreneurship — building alternative income paths alongside sport
Contract literacy — understanding athlete contracts, common risks and how to review and assess agreements before signing
AI tools — using technology to support financial- and business planning
Delivered through in-person sessions, AWI Academy equips athletes with knowledge, structure, and confidence to make informed decisions - during competition years and beyond.
Voices from our alumni
"The AWI program has helped me a lot.
I learned how important it is to budget my money, save and invest, and to think carefully before signing contracts or making financial decisions.
I am very grateful to have been a part of this class."Patricia Wandia Gichuki, 30 Marathon Athlete AWI Cohort 4
“This is very important for our athletes in Kenya.
Before the AWI class, I didn't know much about on how to invest. Right now, I have a plan to start business with the little I have.”Cheruiyot Wesley, 38 1500m Athlete AWI Cohort 4
Get involved.
Partner with us
We work with long-term partners who want to support sustainable change for athletes beyond sport through collaboration and program support.
Make a Donation
Donations directly support the delivery of our education programs - enabling access, operations and program continuity.
Our Supporters
AWI Academy has been made possible through cohort-based funding and support from organizations in Sweden.
Team
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Samson Nyamweya
Program Coordinator
Leads local coordination of the AWI program, working closely with athletes and ensuring impact on the ground.
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Frank Langat
Financial Literacy Trainer
Leads the delivery of the AWI training program for athletes.
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Sofia Hjert
Founder & Program Lead
Leads the development and execution of AWI, building partnerships and driving long-term impact for athletes.
