AK man faults plans to tax stars

• South Rift Athletics Kenya (AK) chairman John Wachira warned that the move could discourage local athletes who win races abroad from bringing their hard-earned money into the country
• Wachira said if implementated, the move could demotivate athletes, thereby affecting Kenya’s performance in international races
• Wachira was speaking in the company of Industrialization Assistant Minister Nderitu Muriithi

A local athletics official has strongly opposed plans by the Kenya Revenue Authority to start taxing money earned by athletes in international competitions.

South Rift Athletics Kenya (AK) chairman John Wachira warned that the move could discourage local athletes who win races abroad from bringing their hard-earned money into the country.

“The plans, if implemented, will make the runners to start banking their money outside Kenya, something which will hurt our economy,” he said during the second edition of the Laikipia University College Half Marathon race in Nyahururu at the weekend, where Gadys Chemweno and Nicholas Kipkemboi emerged victorious in women and men’s categories.

Plans could hurt athletics

Armed with a copy of the Daily Nation which exclusively reported the impending move by KRA, Wachira said if implemented, the move could demotivate athletes, thereby affecting Kenya’s performance in international races.

Wachira was speaking in the company of Industrialization Assistant Minister Nderitu Muriithi.

Former World Cross country sensation Chemweno made a great comeback to top level competition, winning the women’s 21km race. Chemweno, who has been out of action for several years, clocked 73 minutes and 52.6 seconds to pocket Sh200,000 in prize money.

Eunice Chebichii (74:39.4) came second in the race, followed by Priscilla Lolchima (74:47.8).

The men’s race was won by Kericho-based Nicholas Kipkemboi Kerich (62: 39) who also pocketed Sh200,000.

Fukuoka marathon champion Francis Kibiwott came second in 62:59, followed by Abraham Keter (63:15).

Men’s 10km race

The men’s 10km race was won by Kiplimo Mutai (33:26.06), while Josephat Bett (33:31.47) and Silas Kimutai 33:44.17 finished third and fourth.

Beatrice Chepkemoi won the women’s 10km race in  35:16.0 ahead of Consolata Yadaa (25:46.0) and Josephine Wanjiku (35:56.0). Winners of the 10km races were awarded Sh100,000.