Athletes and their coaches in Iten have formed a Sacco to assist them in managing their finances and investing for their future.
The Chairman of Iten Athletics Sacco, Richard Kanda, said the Sacco so far has registered over 200 members but said the Sacco is open to all who would want to join the Sacco outside the athletic fraternity, saying the registration fee is sh1,000.
Speaking during the launch of the Sacco at the Iten Medical Training College, the treasurer, veteran athlete Mary Keitany, called on athletes, especially the upcoming athletes, to join the Sacco, which will assist them in investing for their future.
Ms. Keitany regretted that many athletes are living in poverty despite winning millions as the money is lost due to lack of financial literacy, because they do not invest.
The treasurer assured the members of transparency in the running of the Sacco to ensure members benefit from their savings.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich assured the athletes that the county will offer training to the management team, adding that apart from financial literacy, the team will be trained to offer education to members on other challenges facing them.
Rotich named challenges like gender-based violence, which has led to the death of female athletes, contract management, where athletes are cheated off their money by unscrupulous managers, and doping.
He added that by being together, the Sacco will ensure that athletes have psychosocial support.
Keiyo North DCC Julius Maiyo said the Sacco has come at the right time, saying Saccos normally have low interest rates, which enable members to take loans, invest, and grow, thus contributing not only to their personal growth but that of the country.
By Alice Wanjiru
