Kenya topped the world under Kiplagat's leadership
What you need to know:
- Kiplagat always fought for Africa to be heard at International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) since 2011 when was re-elected in the IAAF’s council.
- It’s from his visionary leadership that saw Kenya win the bid to host World Cross Country Championships in 2007 in Mombasa.
- Nairobi was also picked to host the 2017 World Under-18 Championships.
I am an eye-witness to many of Kiplagat’s accomplishments in athletics, having served as his treasurer for 16 years (1996-2013).
Kiplagat leaves behind a legacy that has attributes that will be emulated for many years to come. Kiplagat’s greatest achievement was when Kenya topped the medal standings at the World Championships last year in Beijing.
He leaves a happy man. Kiplagat was a selfless person. He personally called me from Kenya Science Teachers College, where I was working and had me picked as Kenya Amateur Athletics Association treasurer.
Our tenure started on a financial deficit of Sh2 million and 16 years down the line, the current assets had risen to over Sh130 million, and fixed assets close to Sh1 billion. Among the fixed assets is the impressive Riadha House, one of the only two in Africa and an envy by many. Athletics is the only federation with a fully-fledged headquarters in the country.
This achievement was a result of his prudent financial stewardship and astute negotiation skills. It was also during his tenure that the Kenyan youth topped the World Athletics Championships more than five times.
And it was also during his tenure that Kenya achieved her best results ever in the Olympics, World Cross Country. Kenya won all the eight titles on offer at the 2010 World Cross Country Championships in Poland.
Kiplagat always fought for Africa to be heard at International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) since 2011 when was re-elected in the IAAF’s council. It’s from his visionary leadership that saw Kenya win the bid to host World Cross Country Championships in 2007 in Mombasa.
Nairobi was also picked to host the 2017 World Under-18 Championships.
These are but a sample of his many outstanding achievements that I personally witnessed. I would like to challenge the current and future sports administrators to emulate these positive attributes, in order to move our sports to the next level.
May the Almighty rest Mzee in Eternal Peace.
