Miramas' indoor arena is one of the facilities to be used ©Getty Images

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) will be based in the south of France for training prior to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with local sports organisations.

NOC-K President Paul Tergat led the team in Miramas, with Mutuku confirming this agreement would be signed today.

"The MoU signing will take place in Miramas on Friday with specific organisations including the south of France; the Department of Bouches-du-Rhône, Miramas Metropole, and the Miramas Athletics Club," said Mutuku, according to Kenyan publication The Star.

"This will be on the sidelines of the World Athletics Indoor Meeting at Stadium Miramas Métropole, where Kenyan athletes will also be participating including African and Commonwealth champion in 100 metres Ferdinand Omanyala."

Ferdinand Omanyala is one of the athletes expected to train in Miramas ©Getty Images
Ferdinand Omanyala is one of the athletes expected to train in Miramas ©Getty Images

NOC-K treasurer Eliud Kariuki and Kenya's Ambassador to France, Judi Wakhungu were also present at the signing.

Wakhungu will be involved in the country's preparations, having assisted the NOC-K in securing a camp in Miramas.

"It is expected that local clubs in the south of France will make their facilities and professionals available to team Kenya to best prepare for the Olympics beginning early this year," added Mutuku.

Athletics, handball, basketball, boxing, fencing, judo and badminton is all held in the city of Miramas, making it a location where Kenyans can train effectively for the Games.

Last year, 11 athletes were part of a technical training camp to help preparations for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Cali.