Kenya on schedule for World U-18 championships, says Wario

Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario has assured the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) that the country will host a successful World Under-18 Championships next year.

At the same time, Wario has urged Athletics Kenya to support the appointment of Mwangi Muthee as the Chief Executive officer of the event’s Local Organising Committee.

Muthee was appointed last month, replacing Isaac Mwangi who has suspended for alleged corruption.

After Muthee’s appointment, AK president Lieutenant General  (rtd) Jackson Tuwei urged Wario to rescind his decision and appoint someone with athletics background. Tuwei is the Local Organising Committee chairman.

On Wednesday, AK held its annual general meeting where delegates vowed not to work with Muthee. Kenya is expected to host 156 countries for the Under-18 championships formerly World Youth from July 12 to 16 at Kasarani.

Wario said the government has already released Sh700 million that is part of the larger budget of Sh2bilion for the event hence the events’ secretary should start operations next week.

“We shall start purchasing some of the equipment needed for the championships immediately and I believe things should start rolling out well by next week,” said Wario minutes after officially introducing Muthee in his new capacity at Kasarani on Friday.

“Let them (AK) bring it (threat to isolate Muthee) on and we see where it will end,” Wario challenged AK, adding that the championships was a big event and the government must have a hand in its management.

“It’s about the management of resources and I am sure Muthee will deliver with his vast experience especially with the corporate sector. That is where our focus should be and not threats,” said Wario.

Wario was accompanied by Muthee, Sports principal secretary Richard Ekai, World Under-18 technical director Ibrahim Hussein and a host of former athletes.