This archive report was first published on 21 October 2019.
On Mashujaa Day, Kenyans celebrated their heroes, but athletes in the North Rift region had little to smile about. The region's athletes are struggling due to the absence of sporting facilities, a problem that has been persistent for years.
Two-time Boston Marathon winner Moses Tanui attributed the success of Kenyan athletes to their own sacrifices, but lamented the lack of sporting facilities in the region. 'We have nothing to celebrate during this Mashujaa Day, athletes are suffering since no sports facility has been constructed in this area where athletes nurture their talents,' Tanui regretted.
Tanui also expressed disappointment that the government has failed to complete the construction of stadia in the region, despite the athletes bringing fame to the country. 'The government should have built sports academies for training and sensitizing athletes from a young age to help us have more Kipchoges (Eliud),' Tanui suggested.
According to Tanui, proper mapping and control, brought about by government-built facilities, would minimize the chances of doping. 'Issues of doping could not be heard since athletes that we have at the moment are training on their own with no proper guidance,' Tanui decried.
Additionally, Tanui challenged the State to recognize and assist retired athletes, rather than ferrying some to celebrations in Nairobi and Mombasa, noting that others are languishing in poverty.
Two-time Linz Marathon winner Elius Kiptum also faulted the government for promising construction of nine stadia across the country, saying out of nine none has been delivered. Kiptum noted that Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet has produced hundreds of best athletes, but it is in a deplorable condition.
Amos Kipruto, who won bronze at the recently concluded World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, said many young athletes train at road sides and it is unfair for the government to neglect people who have not only brought fame but are also great ambassadors of the country worldwide thanks to their heroics on the track.
AK president Retired General Jackson Tuwei acknowledged that a lot has to be done, stating, 'We can't cheat ourselves; we are doing badly in terms of training facilities.'
The leaders in the North Rift region decried the delay in finishing the three major stadiums in the area, namely Kipchoge Stadium in Uasin Gishu, Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet, and Kipchoge Stadium in Kapsabet, Nandi county.
Uasin Gishu deputy governor Daniel Rono called on the DCI to intervene and launch investigations to ascertain why work on the projects is dilly-dallying.
