The Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for East African Community (EAC), Abdi Dubat, has hailed the role of sporting activities in strengthening the resolve by the East African States to move towards the realisation of the regional integration agenda.
The PS noted that sports highlight pertinent regional issues, including challenges and opportunities available in the region.
Dubat said that regional sporting events serve to promote economic activities such as sport tourism, trade, and e-commerce, thus stimulating local economies.
The PS made the remarks during the reception of the 7th Great Africa Cycling Safari (GACS), Kenyan stage, which was presided over by Cabinet Secretary (CS), Ministry of East African Community, ASALs, and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul, held at the Ministry of EAC, ASAL, and Regional Development Headquarters, Nairobi.
The cycling Safari event, which is themed; “Furthering Campaigns to Promote Food Security, Peace, and Climate Mitigation,” involves six participating countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, United Republic of Tanzania, and Uganda. Somali and South Sudan did not send representatives.
The GACS, a 55-day, 6,000-kilometre annual cycling activity, started in Bujumbura, Burundi, on August 1, 2024, with 40 cyclists, and arrived in Kenya on August 17, 2024, through the Namanga border point in Kajiado County.
The cyclists are expected to cross over to Uganda on August 27, 2024, via the Suam border point in Trans Nzoia County, after covering 1002 kilometres in 12 days.
PS Abdi described the event as a platform for sports development, such as talent identification, skill enhancement, and the cultivation of a culture of sporting excellence in the region.
He challenged the youth to be in the frontlines in nurturing sports to professional level to enable them earn a living, besides elevating the East Africa region in the global map.
“The event also plays a crucial role in youth education, offering young people exposure to professional cycling and inspiring them to pursue careers in sports. It imparts practical lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and cross-cultural understanding,” said Abdi.
He pointed out that the economic benefit of engaging in sports, is the ability to attract sponsors, media coverage, and spectators, thus generating commercial ventures locally and across the region.
The PS noted that the Cycling Safari event serves as a catalyst for sports development, fostering the growth of cycling as a sport in the region.
“The economic impact of the safari promotes trade in cycling gear, food, and accommodation, among other local products, and services, while also showcasing the potential for e-commerce platforms to support sports events and tourism,” the PS added.
By Ian Chepkuto
