CRISIS DEFUSED: Government moves fast to pay Games allowances

Philles Moraa Ongori at the Keelu Resort in Iten where the marathon team is training for the Commonwealth Games

The Government moved fast yesterday to start paying allowances at the Kenyan Commonwealth Games camp at Safaricom Kasarani Stadium.

The move followed two days of confusion and tension at the residential camp ahead of the Games starting on July 23 in Glasgow, Scotland.

“We are being paid now. This will bring nomalcy at the camp,” said Julius Yego, the athletics team captain.

The squad, which is billed the most diverse in Kenyan history, had been hit by non-payment of international allowances, while kit shipment from Nike and their departure had also been delayed.

On Tuesday, the athletes were assured they would get their allowances ($250 per day for 24 days that totals to Sh500,200 per athlete). It did not happen as officials left the camp without paying them.

The failure to fulfil the promise (on allowances) was exacerbated by a delay in clearing of the Nike kit at the Jomo Kenyatta Airport, which FeverPitch learnt was due to a huge debt in favour of the Kenya Revenue Authority.

Officials were yesterday trying to get all the money from the Sports ministry.

There was no clear direction on departures yet most of the track and field athletes were set to leave last night. But there was no notification to that effect.

“We don’t know what is happening. There is no communication. Some of us were to leave by midday, but we were not informed. All of us are expected to leave except the athletes who are set to travel later on their own,” said an official who declined to be named.

Kirwa said the athletes might wait a little longer.

“The money has come now so we are waiting for the next step,” he said.

James Chacha, the executive officer, said the team is also yet to receive the kit which he said could be partly blamed on the supplier, Nike, who shipped it just two weeks ago and has thus taken too long undergoing clearance with KRA.

“We have two tonnes of kit in cartons at the airport which require about Sh6m to clear with KRA,” said Nock secretary general FK Paul. “We made our request to Nike regarding the same last year but we wonder why it has taken it so long for us to get the kit.”

Meanwhile, the marathon team have pitched camp at Keeluu Resort in Iten, setting their sights on title defence.

Former Berlin half marathon winner Philes Ongori Moraa, a member of the marathon team, has trained her sights on her first gold medal at the international competitions after failing to win any in her past national duties.

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