Financial boost for Nyeri memorial race

What you need to know:

  • Their Sh4 million budgeted was also enhanced by a further donation of Sh500,000 from the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Sports Academy Gordon Oluoch.
  • Kaberia said that his office would seek more support for the inaugural event from other organisations to ensure its success. He pointed out that sports plays a key role in poverty reduction through creation of employment opportunities and related investments.

Plans by the local organising committee of the Dr Wahome Gakuru memorial half marathon slated for November 11 to commission the Ruring’u stadium may have hit a snag after wok at the site stalled due to a delay in releasing funds.

Sports PS Kirimi Kaberia announced at a meeting with Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga on Tuesday that the government would release the funds to finish works on the historic stadium during this quarter.

Only an estimated 30 per cent of construction have been undertaken since works begun last year.

Organisers of the memorial half marathon had initial plans set on a course that starts and ends at Ruring'u stadium but will now have to alter those.

There is, however, some good news as they received a Sh1.5 million boost from the Sports ministry to go towards preparations for the event.

Their Sh4 million budgeted was also enhanced by a further donation of Sh500,000 from the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Sports Academy Gordon Oluoch.

Kaberia said that his office would seek more support for the inaugural event from other organisations to ensure its success. He pointed out that sports plays a key role in poverty reduction through creation of employment opportunities and related investments.

"We know what the late Wahome Gakuru meant to Nyeri people and that is why we want a ceremony befitting is stature to remember him by," said Kaberia.

He commended the Nyeri county government for the priority it has accorded the event as a platform for cohesion among Kenyans and the county’s people.

Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga said that his government is keen to revive sports in the region particularly volleyball and athletics.

"Nyeri is a high altitude training zone and we want to tap that as our selling point. We also want to restore our slogan 'volley made in Nyeri' as it was once upon a time," said Kahiga.

Several races will be staged on the day including a 5km family race, 10km road race with the half marathon being the main event where the winner will pocket Sh250, 000.