2017 is Kenya’s chance to host successful event
Lamin Diack, the IAAF President (left), Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta with the minister for sports, tourism and youth policy of the Russian Federation Vitaliy Mutko, enjoy the 4x400m relay final from the stands during the IAAF World Championship 5000m men's final at the Luznihki Arena in Moscow on August 17 2013. PHOTO | MOHAMMED AMIN.
What you need to know:
- We are aware of the ongoing wrangles within AK and to ensure that things remain on course, the government has to take charge.
- It is an open secret that a successful event will open doors for bigger events in future. We must therefore thrive to realize this dream.
- IAAF is taking the event very seriously and that is why the first technical committee is expected in the country for inspection between February 12 and 15 next year.
I like the pace at which things are moving in as far as the 2017 IAAF World Youth Championship is concerned.
I am also happy that the government is not only taking the event very seriously, but it’s also committed to the cause.
Already, a budget has been drafted and Kenya will need Sh1.2 billion to successfully host the 10th edition of the event.
The rehabilitation of infrastructure will cost almost Sh300 million with Nyayo Stadium set for a complete face-lift. According to sources, the government, through the Ministry of Sports, is willing to invest Sh800 million into the event with Athletics Kenya (AK) sourcing the balance.
However, that is all on paper and we hope things will run as planned. In the past we have had major financial challenges with organising such events, including the 2007 World Cross Country Championships and the 2010 Africa Championship.
That is why I am giving this event the benefit of doubt. Kenyans are known to be last minute people and I hope, this time round the government and AK will sustain their pace.
However, I would like to urge the government to take a leading role to ensure we have the right people in the committees steering the wheels of the event.
Yes, AK have delivered a successful bid but if the appointment of committees are left to them, some people are bound to be victimized because of their stand.
ONGOING WRANGLES
We are aware of the ongoing wrangles within AK and to ensure that things remain on course, the government has to take charge.
But knowing the level of effort required to host such events, we will have to pull in the same direction if we are to deliver a successful event.
It is an open secret that a successful event will open doors for bigger events in future. We must therefore thrive to realize this dream.
During the 2007 World Cross Country (Mombasa) and the 2010 Africa Championships (Nairobi) there was a lot of confusion because the right people were not involved in the organisation process. This time we must get it right and the right people must drive the agenda.
Two years is not a long time and if we don’t plan properly, we are bound to be caught unawares.
IAAF is taking the event very seriously and that is why the first technical committee is expected in the country for inspection between February 12 and 15 next year.
This will be the second time an Africa country is hosting the event with Morocco having hosted the first event on African soil in 2005.
Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Dr Hassan Wario has reiterated that the event will enhance sporting culture in the country by setting up infrastructure to host future events.
I can’t agree more. That is why we will have to be thorough in the final execution. I can’t wait to see Kenya live the dream of delivering a first class event.
The event will also require the support of the Nairobi County Government and the country’s security department among others.
