North Rift athletes decry lack of security and training facilities

Athletes training in the North Rift region have brought to light critical issues of inadequate security for athletes and substandard training facilities despite the region’s international recognition of athletic events.

According to the athletes, they excel on the global stage but receive limited acknowledgment at home.

Speaking during the burial of world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum on Friday 23 February, the athletes led by four-time African javelin champion Julius Yego were concerned that the athletes brought so much pride to the country, yet their tireless efforts went unnoticed.

“Unfortunately, we do not have a training facility which can be used by our athletes. I want to urge the three governors to unite their minds. You can even start by having one facility for these athletes to train in. That is very little to ask,” he started.

He added: “Mr. President, for these world record holders, we are requesting for security. The loss we have encountered with Kiptum is huge to the country and the world.”

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Mr. YouTube acknowledged that accidents may be unavoidable, but having drivers could significantly reduce the likelihood of such occurrences.

“If he (Kiptum) had security/driver at that time, we do not know the life of someone but maybe we could have saved him. We do not have many world record holders in this country, but let us support them and give them the least; security and a personal driver. It does not cost much compared to the pride the athletes bring to this country,” he averred.

Addressing the same, Cabinet Secretary in charge of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Ababu Namwamba revealed that the Ministry was working closely with the devolved units to complete and construct new training facilities in the country’s talent belt. The CS also promised to construct a training facility in Chepkorio in honor of Kiptum.

“Alongside Kamariny, we will be upgrading Iten Grounds. And in honor of our fallen heroes, I see no reason why we cannot add these Chepkorio Grounds to that project which is progressing. In this whole region which is our talent belt, we are being very deliberate in investing and upgrading facilities,” he started.

“We already have a project to upgrade Kipchoge Keino Stadium which is earmarked for hosting AFCON 202. We have advertised its construction. Our eyes are on Kapkatet Grounds in Kericho County, Bomet Stadium, and this whole talent belt is very much catered for. We genuinely love and care for our athletes. You are the people who brand this country,” he continued.

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On his part, President William Ruto promised to support the athletes in all their endeavors but insisted on the need for personal responsibility. The President called for a collaborative approach from different stakeholders in the athletics fraternity to ensure that the athletes are mentored.

“We all need to be mindful of our lifestyles so that we can avoid instances like these where a very young and promising Kenyan has lost his life. We will work together with parents, coaches, and stakeholders to mentor these athletes. The elderly ones should do more to mentor the young ones. We will do our part as the government and I call on all the others to do their job,” he offered.

Kiptum, aged 24, passed away on Sunday, February 11, around 11:07 PM, after losing control of his car along the Eldoret-Ravine highway, veering off-road, and entering a ditch on the left side