Interior and National Administration CS, Kipchumba Murkomen, has dismissed doping allegations raised by critics, saying they lack merit. He made these remarks in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, during the launch of the Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament. The CS emphasized that the government has been transparent in its fight against doping and has cracked down on pharmacists involved in doping-related activities.
The Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament will feature various sports, including football, volleyball, athletics, and basketball, across three co-hosting counties: Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Nandi. The competition will start at the ward level on September 26, with the Inter-County Finals scheduled for October 19 and 20. A total of Sh 63 million in prize money is up for grabs. The CS assured that measures are in place to ensure only eligible players participate and resources are utilized properly.
Murkomen also announced that up to Sh 60 million will go directly to participants, with the aim of promoting grassroots-level sports. He warned that professional players will not be allowed to participate, and an ICT system has been established to curb cheating. The CS outlined the prize money structure, with winners at the ward level receiving Sh 50,000 and those at the sub-county level receiving up to Sh 500,000.
The tournament's organizers have taken steps to prevent wastage of resources, including withdrawing officials from their regular public service duties and ensuring they do not draw allowances from the prize money. The event was attended by several leaders, including Governors Jonathan Bii, Wisley Rotich, and Stephen Sang, as well as Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea and various MPs and county officials.
Murkomen's comments come amid Kenya's bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships. The CS expressed confidence that the doping allegations will not affect the country's chances of hosting the event. He emphasized that Kenya has nothing to hide and has been proactive in addressing doping concerns.
The Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament aims to promote sports development at the grassroots level, with a focus on talent identification and nurturing. The event is expected to engage thousands of participants and spectators across the three co-hosting counties. The tournament's success is seen as crucial in promoting sports development and community engagement in the region.
Kenya's athletics sector has faced scrutiny in recent years due to doping allegations. However, the government has taken steps to address these concerns, including implementing anti-doping measures and cracking down on doping-related activities. The country's bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships is seen as a significant opportunity to showcase its commitment to athletics and sports development.
Key points
- Kenya's bid to host 2029 World Athletics Championships unaffected by doping claims - Murkomen
- Government has taken steps to address doping concerns, including cracking down on pharmacists involved in doping-related activities
- Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament to promote sports development at grassroots level, with Sh 63 million in prize money up for grabs
