Remain good diplomats, Uhuru asks competitors after re-opening Nyayo
President also had congratulatory remarks to the Kenya athletes who excelled at the final leg of the 2020 Diamond League meeting in Doha, Qarar, on Friday insisting they performed well despite minimal or no training at all.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged Kenya’s sportsmen and women to affirm the country as a global sporting powerhouse.
Speaking on Saturday during the reopening of the refurbished Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, the Head of State urged Kenyan athletes to put their best foot forward when the 30,000 seater capacity facility hosts the final leg of the World continental Tour dubbed Kip Keino Classic on October 3.
While leading a government delegation and sports federations chiefs to welcome sporting activities back to the facility that has been under renovation for the past three years, President Kenyatta termed the occasion a new chapter for sports in Kenya.
“I urge our sports persons to continue representing us well. Starting with the Kip Keino Classic, continue flying our flag high and as your government we shall not relent in supporting your efforts.
I believe success of this coming event will be an opening for many more events in the future,” said the President.
Nyayo Stadium that was opened in 1983 has cost the government in excess of Sh650 Million for renovations in the past three years and the President had no kind words to the managers, Sports Kenya.
“These facilities must be managed well so that they don’t fall into the deplorable state that other facilities in the country are accustomed to. We have an obligation of taking care of our facilities” he warned.
He further stated that the upgrading of the facility is not an isolated case as the government is working to improve other facilities in Eldoret, Marsabit, Nyeri, Nyahururu, Kirigiti in Kiambu and Wote Stadium in Makueni, among others.
“Further the national government is in the process of signing Contracts with the county governments of Kisii, Mombasa, Narok and Kakamega to cost share in upgrading the Stadiums into the required international standards. That will be done soon,” he asserted.
While the Covid-19 pandemic had affected the sporting fraternity, the President urged relevant federations to ensure the events that were postponed do go on and that high standards are adhered to.
“My government is committed to ensuring that Kenya successfully hosts the world Under-20 championships and the Safari Rally set for next year.”
Besides the Kip Keino Classic , the President also had congratulatory remarks to the Kenyan athletes who excelled at the final leg of the 2020 Diamond League meeting in Doha, Qatar, on Friday, insisting that they performed well despite minimal or no training at all.
He also singled out world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge who will lead a strong Kenyan contingent at the London marathon next Sunday, wishing the athletes success in their quest for glory.
Meanwhile, Athletics Kenya AK boss Jackson Tuwei said the World Athletics had given the facility a clean bill of health and is ready to host international events starting with the Nairobi Continental Tour.
“Several international sports bodies are sending representatives to inspect this facility, some are with us even today, I am glad to announce that the feedback has been pleasing,” underscored Tuwei.
The re-opening of Nyayo will also be very beneficial especially for local football clubs who have had to endure challenges to host their matches.
