Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) team participating in the Kenya Communication Sports Organization (KECOSO) games festival took to the streets of Kericho to enlighten the youth on prevention of drugs and substance abuse.
The group led by the Kenya Ports Authority, Wellness Program Coordinator Salome Wasike also engaged the boda boda riders within town in a question/answer session on matters HIV prevention and management.
In a session that filled with pomp and colour, song and dance, area residents were treated to street entertainment for the better part of the day as they got empowered on matters HIV that was well elucidated by the KPA team.
Speaking to the press, Wasike said the youth were surprised when the KPA group demonstrated to them on how to use the female condoms to protect themselves and their partners from the dreaded HIV virus.
“We are happy that we have reached out to over a thousand youth today who have gained knowledge on the use of female condoms. We have also distributed the condoms to them and they promised to use them effectively as protection from HIV,” she said.
The KPA group also sensitized the youth by performing educative skits along the streets, touching on drugs and substance abuse, while urging the youth to desist from engaging in illicit drugs use and instead save their hard-earned money.
“Part of our initiative is to link addicts to counsellors in government hospitals for rehabilitation for them to recuperate and become responsible members of the society,” added Wasike.
She was also delighted that Kenya Ports Authority had advanced its course in promoting health and wellness by engaging in this noble program to sensitize the youth in all counties they visit during the annual KECOSO games festival.
“Apart from actively participating in the KECOSO games, we also aim to sensitize the public on matters health and wellness as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility,” remarked Wasike.
KPA has been participating in various categories of games at the 41st KECOSO games in Kericho, including basketball in which they won their second game of the tournament after whipping Kenya Airports Authority 89 -26 at the Kericho Teachers Training College.
At the same time, the KPA team continued their winning streak in volleyball, beating Ministry of Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development and Public Works (MOTIHUD&PW) 3-0 at Moi gardens.
However, the football team had a morning to forget when the Zoo Kericho defeated them 2-0 in a match played at the Kericho Green Stadium.
“The players have delivered their best considering that we are used to playing in Mombasa, which is hot as opposed to the cold and rainy weather in Kericho,” said KPA Coach Hamisi Kafani.
The 41st KECOSO games festival awards cum closing ceremony will be held on Saturday 24th September.
By Kibe Mburu and Purity Eboyi
