President Uhuru Kenyatta pledged that all national sports teams will receive full government funding for international competitions, ending their dependence on private sponsors.
The declaration came during a speech at the 4th Beyond Zero Half Marathon, where he emphasized sports' role in economic growth. 'This year, Harambee Stars will not beg or borrow but will be fully funded by the government, along with the national rugby and netball teams,' he stated.
Kenyatta highlighted the establishment of the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund to ensure all athletes have necessary resources, including uniforms, when representing Kenya abroad.
The event, attended by 25,000 participants, featured former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta. Elite athletes Josephat Bett and Brilliant Kipkoech won the 21km races, each receiving Ksh.250,000 in prizes.
The marathon, initiated to address maternal and child mortality, has funded mobile clinics in all 47 counties. First Lady Kenyatta noted the event's impact on healthcare access and community outreach through medical safaris.
Deputy President William Ruto praised the initiative, while former Ethiopian PM Desalegn commended its regional influence. The event also included speeches from Cabinet Secretaries Sicily Kariuki and Amina Mohamed.
