By Gilbert Wandera
Kenya team budget to the London Olympic Games is likely to rise following the inclusion of extra disciplines and athletes in the contingent, officials said yesterday.
National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Nock) currently have earmarked Sh389 million to send a strong team to the games, which start on July 27 to August 12.
However, Nock official Stephen Arapaho Soi said yesterday the budget may increase slightly but was not in a position to reveal by how much.
The government as usual will contribute the bigger chunk of the money and having pledged Sh281million. NOCK has received more than Sh60 million from various sponsors towards the games.
National Social Security Fund (NSSF) gave out Sh35 million contribution. Other monies have come from Proctor and Gambler (Sh5m), Coca-Cola (Sh7m), Kenya Charity Sweepstakes (Sh10m) and Nakummatt Supermarkets (Sh3.5m). Safaricom has pledged to reward all medallists with gold winners taking home Sh1 million, Silver will draw Sh600,000 while bronze medallists will have Sh300,000 alongside the usual government reward.
“We are grateful for the support already received from corporate sponsors but we need more to come and assist us send a strong team to London,” said Soi.
Soi was speaking at a function where National Bank of Kenya donated Sh2m towards today’s Olympic trials at Nyayo National Stadium.
The bank’s out-going Managing Director Rueben Marambii said the support is part of their contribution towards the development of athletics.
“We wanted to contributed in whatever little way we could to make the even a success,” he said.
Athletics Kenya (AK) treasurer Joseph Kinyua, who is the team manager for the track and field team to the Olympics, thanked the bank for its continued support. National Bank of Kenya has supported athletics events for the last six years.
“ I’m grateful to the bank for showing faith in us. Athletics will again shine in London and surpass the 14 medals we got in Beijing. We will be transparent and accountable in using this money,” said Kinyua.
