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T. NashipaeCS Ababu hints at reclaiming Kenya's lost steeplechase glory
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 27.12.23. | 12:30
The government through his ministry has dished out Ksh. 192 million to set up 42 camps nationwide
Kenya is widely known for producing long and middle-distance runners. The likes of former World Marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge, world 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon, and world 800m champion Mary Moraa among others.
The history of athletics would also be incomplete without mentioning the legends who have brought the country so much by dominating major 3000m steeplechase international events. Individuals like Amos Biwott, Kipchoge Keino, Matthew Birir, Joseph Keter, and Wilson Kipketer have brought the country so much joy in past steeplechase events.
The country would then relinquish its 3000m steeplechase world title at the World Championships (July 2022) in Oregon after Olympic champion Soufine El Bakkali dethroned Conseslus Kipruto in the men's title, while Celliphine Chespol faded to 13th place.
The standards of the county's once stronghold are now worrying, even as the Paris 2024 Olympics fast approaches.
During the World Championships held in Budapest in August, all hopes were resting on the Kenyan trio of world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech, World Under-20 champion Faith Cherotich, and Commonwealth Games Champion Jackline Chepkoech.
However, Team Kenya failed to reclaim the title but managed to impress by taking the second and third places. Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi won the race as Chepkoech and youngster Cherotich finished second and third respectively.
Another Kenyan in the race was Jackline who faded to finish ninth in 9:14.72.
In the men's category, Abraham Kibiwott finished the podium in 8:11:98.
According to Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, the government through his ministry has dished out a whopping Ksh. 192 million to set up 42 camps nationwide.
This comes after the ministry through Athletics Kenya (AK) increased the number of camps from 21 to 42.
The youthful CS pointed out that the camps would be equipped with steeplechase facilities to ensure Kenya reclaims its steeplechase glory.
“We will equip those two camps with top state-of-the-art steeplechase facilities because we want to reclaim steeplechase back. The loss is a lesson that however good you are, if you are not deliberate, intentional, and structured in investing in talent development, you will lose your spot.
“We did not invest while others did so in training and development and they have taken the steeplechase away," he offered.
CS Namwamba further added that the success of the Talanta Hela U19 football tournament motivated him to achieve more in developing different talents countrywide.
“We do well even though we don’t invest in youth development. However, if you do that for too long, you will be found out and lose your spot,” noted Ababu.
In the inaugural Talanta Hela U19 final played at the Nyayo National Stadium on December 12, Homabay carried the day after beating Kisumu 4-2 in the men's final, while Busia emerged victorious in the girl's category after dazzling Kisumu 2-1 in the final.
