The 2023 Devolution Conference in Eldoret Town kicked off with a curtain-raiser event in which governors in attendance joined veteran athletes in a 5-kilometre race at the Kipchoge Stadium.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and his Trans Nzoia Governor, George Natembea, managed to finish the race, which served as the curtain-raiser of the event that brings together all the devolved units to reflect and deliberate on the steps gained over the last decade since the inception of the decentralised two-tier governance system.
The Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba, who launched the track races at the stadium currently under construction, affirmed the government’s commitment to upgrade the facility to international standards in order to support and promote youth talents through sports.
“We are going to improve this stadium to better standards as compared to the current condition so as to enable our athletes to get a conducive training environment as they prepare to take part in the international events,” said the Sports CS.
In her remarks, Uasin Gishu County Executive for Youth, Sports, ICT, and Innovation, Eng. Lucy Ng’endo, lauded the government for its support in the construction of the stadium, which will play a significant role in nurturing the sports talents in the county, which has produced renowned world athletic champions, earning Eldoret Town the name City of Champions’.
Other delegates present included the Israeli Ambassador to Kenya, Michael Lotem, and veteran athletes from the county and other parts of the country, among others.
The eve of the international event, which will be attended by about 10,000 delegates, both local and international, will take place on Wednesday, August 16th, this week, when the president is expected to launch it officially.
By Ekuwam Sylvester and Judy Too
