Kenya issues security guarantee for Nairobi world athletics meet
What you need to know:
- The 14-strong delegation from the IAAF’s Monaco headquarters is in Nairobi for a two-day meeting to assess progress in preparation for the championship.
- The IAAF delegation from Monaco includes the global track and field governing body’s Head of Event Operations Toni Jorba, Executive Director of Communications Jackie Brock-Doyle, Chief Information Officer An Dang Duy along with Technical Delegates Gemma Castano and Imre Matrahaz.
The visiting delegation from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) was on Wednesday assured that Kenya is leaving nothing to chance in making next year’s IAAF World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi secure.
Hassan Noor, the Cabinet Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Heritage, along with Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, said the terror attack on Riverside Drive was an isolated incident and Kenya’s security machinery would seal all loopholes to make the July 7-12 championship a success.
The 14-strong delegation from the IAAF’s Monaco headquarters is in Nairobi for a two-day meeting to assess progress in preparation for the championship.
Giving his opening remarks while inviting the IAAF team, Noor said Kenyan security agents’ swift response to the attack on Tuesday afternoon, and the subsequent rescue operations, was indicative of Kenya’s capacity to secure major events.
“The government is fully committed to hosting this event and the President himself supports the entire process,” Noor said.
“We look forward to organising a better event than ones we have hosted before.
“This (attack) was an isolated incident and should not worry anyone. Move around in Nairobi and don’t be afraid,” he added.
The IAAF delegation from Monaco includes the global track and field governing body’s Head of Event Operations Toni Jorba, Executive Director of Communications Jackie Brock-Doyle, Chief Information Officer An Dang Duy along with Technical Delegates Gemma Castano and Imre Matrahaz.
Others in the entourage are Frederick Sanchez, the IAAF Platforms and Distribution Operations Manager, Mark Fulton, who is the Executive Producer for IAAF Productions and Luis Saladie, the IAAF's Head of Competitions.
Others in the delegation are marketing executives Jan Zmek and Nayoa Kubo, Event Presentation Manager Florian Weber, Information and Knowledge Manager Fanny Boquillet and Events Operations Coordinator Jeff Chelpi.
Also in the delegation is Bevan Gibson who is in the IAAF Production team.
They conclude their meetings on Thursday after inspecting the stadium and visiting proposed accommodation centres for athletes and officials, media and broadcast teams, IAAF officials and others involved in the championship.
