Kenya's Interior and National Administration CS, Kipchumba Murkomen, has defended the country's bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, amid doping allegations raised by critics. Murkomen dismissed the allegations, citing the government's transparency in the fight against doping. He made these remarks during a breakfast launch of the Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
The Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament will feature football, volleyball, athletics, and basketball for both men and women across three co-hosting counties: Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Nandi. The competition will commence at the ward level on September 26, with the Inter-County Finals scheduled for October 19 and 20. A total of Sh 63 million is up for grabs across the various competitions.
Murkomen emphasized that the government has continuously cracked down on pharmacists involved in doping-related activities, ensuring a fair and clean competition. He also announced that a total of up to Sh 60 million will go directly into the pockets of participants, with measures in place to curb cheating and ensure eligible players participate.
To prevent professional players from participating, Murkomen warned that an ICT system has been established to curb cases of cheating. The CS also outlined the prize money for different levels of competition, with winners at the ward level receiving Sh 50,000 and those at the finals receiving Sh 1 million.
The tournament's organizers have put in place measures to ensure proper utilization of resources, including withdrawing officials from their regular public service duties and prohibiting them from drawing allowances from the prize money. This move aims to prevent wastage of resources and ensure a smooth competition.
The launch event was attended by several high-profile leaders, including Governors Jonathan Bii, Wisley Rotich, and Stephen Sang, as well as Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea and several MPs and MCAs. The presence of these leaders underscores the importance of the tournament and the government's commitment to promoting sports in the region.
The Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament is set to promote sports and talent in the region, with a focus on grassroots development. The competition's structure, which includes various levels of competition and significant prize money, is expected to encourage participation and fair play among athletes.
Key points
- Kenya's bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships has been defended by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen amid doping allegations.
- The Mashujaa Day Sporting Tournament will feature various sports and offer Sh 63 million in prize money across three co-hosting counties.
- Measures have been put in place to ensure fair play, curb cheating, and promote eligible participation in the tournament.
