Makueni County Government will sponsor local cyclists to participate in next year’s Tour D’ East African Community (EAC) annual event that seeks to promote regional integration, Governor Kivutha Kibwana has said.
Consequently, Kibwana said his government was working on a budget that will facilitate local cyclists to prepare for next year’s cycling event.
He made the remarks in his Wote office Wednesday when he received 30 cyclists from Tanzania on a mission to promote peace and unity across the East African Region. “Apart from cycling which is critical as a sport, you are bringing the East African community a message that resonates well with the vision of the founding fathers,” said Kibwana.
He said there was need for the citizens of the East African region to trade among themselves without any hindrances as was the case in early 70s noting: “We used to trade easily with almost one currency where there was no restrictions and discrimination.”
Kibwana appealed to the EAC Secretariat to recognize this group that he stated was doing a great job in rallying the citizens of the region to co-exist peacefully.
“It will be a great thing to get recognition from the EAC headquarters in Arusha, you are showing us the way forward and through you we can restore the EAC dream,” added Kibwana.
On his part, Tour D’East Africa Director John Balongo said the purpose of riding was to achieve unity and peace in the region to enhance development.
The team started their 6,000km journey on August 1, 2021 in Dar es Salaam in neighbouring Tanzania and they are traversing Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and back to the EAC headquarters in Arusha. The 55 days tour ends on 25th, September.
By Ronald Rono
