Government waives visa charges for Africa Athletics Championships

By Mutwiri Mutuota

The Government has waived visa charges for athletes and officials travelling for the 17th Africa Athletics Championships that will be held in Nairobi from July 28 to August 1 in a calculated move to ensure maximum participation.

David Okeyo, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) chief executive disclosed this to FeverPitch yesterday hailing the Government’s move as a key incentive to the targeted 53 African nations where 46 have so far confirmed entry.

Okeyo also announced July 13 as the deadline for all entries to facilitate processing of a participants list that will be distributed to all entry points in the country for the visa waiver to take effect.

"We have received a letter addressed to the Principal Immigrations Officer at Jomo Kenyatta Airport detailing the Government has granted visa gratis (waiver) for officials and athletes coming for Nairobi 2010. The visas will be given upon arrival and Immigration Department will closely monitor this process and it will only benefit only those officials and athletes accredited by the LOC.

"No entries will be received after the set deadline to allow us produce a list of all accredited athletes and officials that will be posted at all entry points for the Immigration Department to counter check upon arrival of these entrants," Okeyo said.

Aggressive marketing

He added: "This shows the Government is committed to the success of Nairobi 2010 and we are working round the clock to ensure we stage a successful event.

The chief executive detailed an aggressive marketing campaign would be launched next week after signing of title and other sponsor deals.

Top draws like Sudan’s Abubaker Kaki Khamis, Olusoji Fasuba of Nigeria among others, are expected to benefit from the new visa rule.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s Sotokoto Safari Half Marathon attracted 2,500 participants by Tuesday’s deadline as Kenya Police announced road closures for the second edition of the event that will be held at Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens.

Addressing the media yesterday, Sotokoto technical director, Robert Ouko said: "We are still receiving upcountry forms from Equity Bank and once we add them to what we have, we are optimistic of matching the 4,000 target."

Toronto Marathon director, Jay Glassman, who has travelled from Canada as a guest of the event noted: "We want to partner with Sotokoto and us to establish good relationship that will open avenues for Kenyan runners to compete in North America."