Baringo leaders stress on need to leverage on sports in environment conservation

It is no doubt that sports and sportsmen have a massive role to play in environmental conservation. 

The two can not thrive in hazardous environment and hence are obligated to join hands and efforts aimed at safeguarding the same. 

Birir satisfied with success of 2023 Chemususu Dam Half Marathon

The message to conserve the ecosystem through sports couldn't have been amplified better as it was during the ninth edition of the Mozzart Bet Chemususu Dam Half Marathon held on Saturday in Eldama Ravine. 

The theme of this year's edition was Run to Conserve which rhymed with the organiser's bid to preserve water catchment areas through planting trees. 

The finances raised through the event will be directed towards a tree planting exercise in the Chemususu area on Monday in line with the government's plan to reserve the day for the conservation of the environment. 

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen who was the guest of honour in the event said it was no brainer to use sports as a way of advancing the agenda of environment conservation. 

Murkomen who besides gracing the event participated in the 5km race called on area residents and the country at large to spare a moment and plant a tree on Monday. 

"Sports and environment are co-related and therefore, we have a duty to protect our forests and other water catchment areas. If we don't conserve then, we will be destroying our future. Sports is important in many ways including building the economy, creating an environment, and thus, the need by our young men and women to embrace it," said the former Elgeyo Marakwet Senator while urging the youth to take sports seriously. 

His remarks were backed by Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi who pledged to commit three million shillings in supporting the race every year.

" Chemususu dam is important to us as it serves a number of constituencies. We have a duty to protect it and any other water catchment area. I call upon everyone to plant trees on Monday," said the county boss. 

Ninth edition of Chemususu Dam Half Marathon attracts hundreds, efforts to conserve environment emphasized

Baringo County Women Representative Florence Jematia was not left behind as she weighed in, urging all and sundry to promote the efforts by the race organizer and sponsors in maintaining the dam. 

" It is a valuable asset to our people and hence our duty to preserve it. I urge everyone to heed the President's call to plant trees on Monday," she remarked. 

Host Member of Parliament Musa Sirma revealed a plan to make the event bigger and more attractive by incorporating practices that promote domestic tourism. 

" We want to make this place an avenue for tourism going forward. We have realized the success of this year's edition to the extent of thinking of spicing the subsequent one. It would not have been successful without the support from the corporate world," said the lawmaker. 

Outspoken Mogotio Member of Parliament Reuben Kiborek acknowledged that water from the dam streams down to the benefit of his constituents. 

Chief Executive Officers of various corporations and government agencies who spoke during the event all amplified the message on environment conservation and the development of Sports. 

Mozzart Bet Kenya Country Manager Sasa Krneta, Kenya Ports Authority boss Captain William Ruto, and Baringo County Commissioner were all present.