Kenya’s Under-20 athletics team was officially flagged off for the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships, set to take place from August 27-31 in Lima, Peru. The ceremony, held at the Kasarani Stadium, saw Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen rallying the 22-strong contingent of athletes as they prepare to represent Kenya on the global stage.
Flanked by top Athletics Kenya officials, Murkomen conveyed a message of encouragement and pride to the young athletes, emphasizing the significance of their upcoming participation. “We are sending you to represent our country, and we look forward to welcoming you back with all the medals,” Murkomen declared. His speech highlighted the broader goal of enhancing Kenya’s athletics legacy and shifting focus towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The team, which has been in a residential training camp at Kasarani Stadium for the past two weeks, is set to depart for Lima on Saturday. Murkomen’s address was underscored by a commitment to recognizing and rewarding the athletes’ efforts. He announced that medallists at the championships would be awarded cash prizes: Ksh 500,000 for gold, Ksh 350,000 for silver, and Ksh 150,000 for bronze. In a generous gesture, Murkomen promised that he and his associates would each add an additional Ksh 100,000 to the prize money for those who secure medals.
Athletics Kenya Chairman Jackson Tuwei expressed optimism about the team’s performance, praising the rigorous preparations that the athletes have undergone. “This represents one of the best transitions in athletics, as many of our champions have started their journeys through this path,” Tuwei said. He is confident that the team’s thorough preparation will lead to a successful outing in Lima.
In his remarks, Murkomen also outlined the broader vision for sports development in Kenya. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to establishing more sports academies aimed at nurturing young talent. This initiative aligns with a larger strategy to enhance the country’s sporting infrastructure and prepare future generations of athletes.
Additionally, Murkomen highlighted ongoing collaborations between his ministry and the Ministry of Education. This partnership aims to bolster talent development from the grassroots level by introducing sports scholarships in schools. “We have formalized our engagement with the Ministry of Education for schools to give out sports scholarships in order to grow talent,” Murkomen stated, reflecting the government’s commitment to integrating sports into the educational framework.
The support from the government and Athletics Kenya underscores the importance of this championship not only as a platform for showcasing young talent but also as a crucial step towards Kenya’s long-term athletic goals. With the World Championships on the horizon, all eyes will be on the Kenyan team as they aim to make a mark and continue the country’s proud tradition in athletics.
As the athletes prepare for their journey, the nation’s hopes and expectations are high. The World Athletics U20 Championships present an opportunity for these young stars to demonstrate their skills and contribute to Kenya’s esteemed reputation in the global athletics arena. The support from the government, coupled with meticulous preparation and substantial incentives, provides a strong foundation for the team’s success.
