Office of the President to oversee preps for World U-18 championship

The 2017 World Under-18 Athletics Championship CEO Mwangi Muthee addresses journalists on February 14, 2017 in Nairobi on Kenya’s preparations for the event set for Nairobi. To his left is Government Spokesman Erick Kiraithe. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Kenya to use diplomatic channels to promote youth competition

The Office of the President (OP) will take a leading role in steering preparations for IAAF World Under-18 Championships set for Nairobi from July 12-16.

A meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government Joseph Nkaisery and Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario at the OP on Tuesday arrived at the decision after reviewing progress made in preparation for the event. Also present at the meeting, which designated roles to various ministries, were top officials from ministries of Foreign affairs, Transport and Infrastructure, Trade and Industrialisation, and Tourism.

Addressing the press after the meeting yesterday, government spokesman Eric Kiraithe said cabinet secretaries from the ministries will meet on Tuesday to iron out challenges facing Kenya’s preparation for the event to ensure it was a success.

“The meeting was briefed on the IAAF stand, which was encouraging, the upgrading of hostels at Kenyatta University and contractors engaged at the hosting venues,” said Kiraithe.

Kiraithe, who sought to assure the world of Kenya’s preparedness to host the event, said similar meetings will be held every Tuesday until the championship is held.

Kiraithe said the meeting discussed the progress report presented by the Local Organising Committee and 2017 World Under-18 CEO Mwangi Muthee besides security plan and strategy for the championships.

The meeting unanimously agreed that work at Kasarani and Kenyatta University must be speeded up.

Kiraithe said Kenya will use diplomatic means to reach out not only to countries that have withdrawn from the championships but also to those attending with a view of promoting the championships.