PREPARATION IN TOP GEAR: As government commits to World Youth games

Officials from the IAAF visited Kenyatta University to inspect the facilities and asses the institution's readiness for the 2017 World Under 18 Youth athletics games. The university will be co-hosting the event as the games village with the main action taking place at Kasarani. The officials are (from left) KU Project Manager Jack Njaramba , Kenyatta University acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Paul Wainaina, Luis Saladie, IAAF Head of Competition Management and Events Department, Mwangi Muthee, CEO, IAAF World U18 Athletic Championships,Sylvia Barlag IAAF Council member and Prof. Vincent Onywera, Registrar, Research, Innovation and Outreach (RIO).

Local Organising Committee for the forthcoming IAAF World Under 18 athletics Championship led by chairman Jackson Tuwei and Chief Executive Officer Mwangi Muthee were given the Government’s backing at the Inter-ministerial meeting yesterday at Harambee House.

The meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary for Interior Security minister Joseph Nkaissery came as a result of top teams led by USA, Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland and Canada withdrawing from the competition. An element that threatened to water down the competitiveness of the championship.

The meeting which will be done weekly, was also attended by Sports CS Hassan Wario and Kenya Defense Force representative.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Treasury will be present in the next meeting to be held on Tuesday next week.

Some of the issues discussed were security plan for the event, Kenyatta University hostels upgrade report and work progress at Moi International Stadium Kasarani - the venue of the event slated for July 12-16, 2017.

The LOC CEO Mwangi Muthee expressed confidence that their readiness to host a world class event is on progress.

“We are happy to report that today’s meeting gives the LOC a lot of promise and commitment by the government of Kenya. Every ministry that has a role to play at the event was present and that showed commitment” Muthee said.

Last week, the LOC met the IAAF officials to give a report on the progress on the key updates like Athletes Village at Kenyatta University and laying of Mondo tartan track.

“We are happy to announce that the work has commenced and the track work will start immediately. All the contractors are on site. I can foresee the work being completed ahead of schedule,” Muthee sdded.

Speaking after the meeting, government spokesman Eric Kiraithe reassured their commitment to the event but admitted a lot of work needs to be done especially on diplomatic arrangements.

“This event is on, it has full support of the Government but diplomatic arrangement and a lot of things need to be clarified to the international community. This is an opportunity to market Kenya, We have been able to host top dignitaries like former USA President Barack Obama and other top event in Kenya” said Kiraithe.

He added: “We are going to start doing security rehearsal May or early June. I can assure you that institution analysis and measures will be put in place.”

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