The Principal Administrative Secretary (PAS) in the Executive Office of the President, Dr. Arthur Osiya, has urged youth in Busia to engage in sports and other income-generating activities.
Speaking before flagging off the Busia Cross Border Race on Saturday, Osiya noted that a number of youth and the elderly in the county were wasting away in drug and substance abuse.
“A number of youth and the elderly are indulging in drug and substance abuse,” he said, adding that youth needed to engage in positive activities.
He further advised the youth to have hope and live positively for a better future, explaining that hopeless people cannot think constructively.
The PAS thanked Athletics Kenya for supporting the event, adding that the county has great potential in sporting activities.
“I’m confident that there is something special that you can do to promote sports in Busia and the entire Western region,” he said.
Athletics Kenya Western Region Vice Chairman Patrick Kipsang thanked Busia Border Foundation Marathon for organizing the cross border run, promising to elevate it to a full marathon during the 6th edition of the event next year.
The event coordinator Sarah Martha said that this year’s cross border event took the participants 10 km inside Uganda and that the initiative has brought cohesion between Kenya and Uganda.
Martha also appreciated the NACADA team for sensitizing the youth on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
The event saw Wency Wabwire and Angela Miriam being crowned winners of the Busia Cross Border 15 km male and female categories respectively.
Top ten winners in the event were issued with certificates, monetary appreciation and certified maize seeds from Kenya Seed.
Locals who attended the event benefited from government services like Huduma Centre services, free medical checkup and agricultural advice from Kenya Seed Company.
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
