The government plans to upgrade Chepkorio grounds in Elgeiyo Marakwet in honour of late world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba disclosed during the funeral service that this will be done in addition to the ongoing Kamariny and Iten stadiums which are due for elevation to international standards.
“In honour of our fallen hero, I see no reason why we cannot add this Chepkorio grounds to that project that is currently progressing,” he said.
The construction of Kamariny Stadium is set to commence soon.
Kiptum perished alongside his Rwandanese coach Gervais Hakizimana in a road accident on February 11.
Ababu at the same time stated as a ministry they are investing heavily on the sporting facilities in the Rift Valley’s athletics belt as part of deliberate efforts to ensure athletes train in the best facilities.
He said they have set up 42 athletic training centres across the country with Elgeiyo Marakwet getting three.
These are Kaimoi, Kapkenda girls’ and Chewoyet boys’
St Patricks Iten, he said, has been included as a special elite centre in the plan.
The CS at the same time stated that they have introduced an endowment fund to support athletes in retirement with an Sh20 million donation.
“We have also invited the private sector to support on this,” he said.
A pension scheme, he said, has also been initiated to enable the athletes to save and later draw on retirement.
In collaboration with Athletics Kenya and Housing Finance, Ababu said the ministry has started a special package so that the athletes can benefit from the affordable housing program.
To ensure the athletes manage their finances better and invest them better, the CS said they have started a financial literacy with local banks which include KCB and Cooperative Bank.
