Nakuru County government is channeling more resources towards the rehabilitation of sporting facilities to help tap local talents and position Nakuru city as a sporting tourism hub in the expansive Rift Valley region.
Governor Susan Kihika said her government was keen to deliver the youth agenda by nurturing and developing the existing local talent and ensuring that youths benefit from their gifts.
Speaking during the official launch of the 2nd edition of the Stanbic Nakuru City marathon, Governor Kihika appreciated Stanbic Bank as the title sponsor of the event and other partners who she said were coming on board to actualise the important event in the Nakuru County sports calendar.
She said the marathon event would serve as a training ground for a good number of amateur athletes, and in so doing help position Nakuru as the nerve centre of athletics and other sports disciplines.
Ms. Kihika said her administration was prioritizing the completion of projects under rehabilitation and cited Afraha stadium where she had instructed the contractor to complete the works within the set time frame to ensure the sporting activities scheduled to take place at the venue are not interfered with.
She voiced her commitment to putting up an international modern sports complex in Naivasha and ensuring the completion of Keringet sports academy which she said will promote both conferencing and sports tourism among the local communities.
The governor said registration to participate in the event was open to all and called on local athletes, youth and the general public to register and take part in the historic event.
The Stanbic Bank Chief Executive officer Charles Mudiwa said the private sector was willing to collaborate with both national and county governments to actualise the aspirations of Kenya in achieving Vision 2030.
He voiced the company’s commitment to consistently sponsor sporting activities in Kenya saying the collaboration had a huge positive impact on both the local communities and the economy.
Mudiwa said Stanbic bank was determined to continue making contributions towards the sporting industry in the country in an effort to grow the economy and also build talent among the youthful population.
More than 200 elite athletes are expected to take part in the Stanbic Nakuru City Marathon, which will be held on November 27 this year.
The marathon will comprise three categories of 21kmn, 10km, and 5Km for family events.
By Esther Mwangi and Renson Cheruiyot
