Kibaki fetes world-beating athletes

President Kibaki has said only full implementation of the new Sports Act would facilitate proper management of the country’s sports federations, facilities and events.

The President said the Act will lay a foundation for the blossoming of Kenyan sports development programmes. “I call on the Ministry of Youth and Sports to immediately embark on the implementation of the Act,” Kibaki directed.

The President said there was tremendous potential for excellent performance by sportsmen and women in various disciplines but that the achievement for which we all yearn will not be realised if we don’t put in place structures that will ensure good management of sports resources, both human and financial.

Big youth population

“That is why, in the year 2005, the government came up with a Sports Policy through Sessional Paper Number 3 on Sports Development, to guide the growth and development of sports in the country,” Kibaki noted.

“This Policy has now been followed by an Act of Parliament, which was enacted late last year.”

Kibaki was speaking after presenting cheques to Team Kenya medallists from the London Olympic Games.

Kenya won two gold, four silver and five bronze medals from Olympics, as well as two gold, two silver and two bronze medals from Paralympics.

Gold medallists - who included David Rudisha, Ezekiel Kemboi, Abraham Tarbei and Samuel Muchai - got Sh750,000 each.

Silver medallists received Sh500,000 and bronze medallists, Sh300,000.

Kibaki said Kenya boasts a big population of young men and women who are talented in various sports, hence the need to create an enabling environment through which development of their talents can be realised.

“Under Vision 2030, strategies have been laid down which will ensure the continued improvement of sports infrastructure, facilities and equipment,” Kibaki said.

National Olympics chairman, Kipchoge Keino, urged Kibaki to facilitate the building of a sports complex in the Mount Kenya region.

“I trained at the Ruringu Stadium in Nyeri and broke two world records, which is evidence of the potential the high altitude area at the foot of Mount Kenya has. I appeal to you to build a stadium there in your honour to help the youth from this region,” Keino said.