Kenya launch Sh300m road to Rio 2016 Games

Kenyan Olympics chiefs launched the Road to 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro with an appeal for Sh300 million.

But the chief guest at the function, Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario, lashed out at federations who have failed to align themselves to the 2013 Sport Act and are presenting their budget.

Dr Wario also rebuked athletes who failed doping tests, saying they should not be considered for Rio Olympics for Kenya is not short of stars to represent the country in the games.

Wario did not spare the organisers of the event, National Olympic Commitee of Kenya (NOC-K), who he blamed for the poor performance by Team Kenya in the 2012 London Olympics.

“It was a disaster. The team was messed up. Nock owes Government an explanation and should justify why the State should pump in money for Rio preparations,” said Wario.

Noc-k said Kenya plans to take 80 athletes, 28 primary and seven secondary officials to the forthcoming Rio games.

Noc-k projected 10 gold, 9 silver and 12 bronze medals from the 15 disciplines in which it will be taking part in Brazil.

This expectation is above the two gold, four silver and five bronze medals Kenya won in  the London Olympics, where the country had taken 51 athletes. “Kenya will enter as many athletes as possible for the Rio games so long as they make the category A qualifications,” said Chef de Mission Stephen Soi at the launch.

Soi projected that the country needs Sh542 million to comfortably organise for trials, preparations and take part in the Olympics.

Nock Marketing and Fundraising Commission Chairman Ndungu Gathinji said the budget was harmonised to Sh300million to make it realistic.

“We urge the corporates to help us realise this dream. We will only manage to win medals if we have good preparations, which need money,” Githinji said.

The corporates that have presented their pledges to Team Kenya include the Manu Chandaria Foundation (Sh1m) and Oxygen 8 Group (Sh15m).

Nock chairman Kipchoge Keino said the early launch of Road to Rio was a good idea as it will help Nock get sponsorships in time.

“If we have funds in time we will have an opportunity to prepare well and if we prepare well we will win more medals in Brazil,” said Keino.

Keino assured that Nock would listen to federations to know what is important for them in their preparations for the Olympics.