Athletics Kenya (AK) and Housing Finance Corporation (HFC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide affordable homes to over 64,000 athletes who are members of the federation.
The new partnership will see athletes register for a Nyumba Yangu savings account from HFC Group to raise a minimum of 12.5 per cent deposit or as prescribed by the partners.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba congratulated the two entities for conceiving the vision and seeing it to fruition.
"I am absolutely delighted to be here to witness such a significant venture by a sports federation towards bettering the welfare of their athletes, " Namwamba said.
The CS reiterated that providing affordable housing is at the heart of the government's vision for the country, noting that Kenyan sportspersons have been some of the most affected by the scourge of slums.
"This partnership has the full backing of the government under the leadership of His Excellency President William Ruto. We are very particular about affordable housing," he said. Namwamba encouraged all athletes to enlist in the scheme.
"I would like to advise all athletes to enrol for this programme...even if you already own a home. I have gone through it and it is a good programme...you can own different kinds of homes ranging from one bedroom to two to three bedrooms," the CS said.
Speaking at the same function, AK president Jack Tuwei said the partnership will help resolve a decades-long problem where many athletes have shone on the track and field only to end up in abject poverty after hanging their spikes.
"It heralds the beginning of a process of reversing a trend where many athletes have shined on the crème-de-la-crème of tracks and fields around the world but have nothing to show for it at the tail end of their careers," Tuwei said.
He said Kenyan athletes deserve to live a fruitful and peaceful life in which they don't have to worry about basic needs.
"Nothing gives humans more peace in their hearts than the knowledge they will always have a roof over their heads for the rest of their lives. This is exactly what this partnership offers to tens of thousands of athletes in this country," Tuwei said.
HFC Group CEO Robert Kibaara, on his part, spoke of the organisation's pride in honouring Kenyan athletes with this noble idea.
"Athletics has been a big source of pride for our country. Kenya is synonymous with athletics. Everywhere I go and people learn that I am from Kenya, the next question is usually whether I run," Kibaara said.
He added: "When you see our world beaters cross the finish line, just know it's not by luck but by hard work. We have a duty to support one of our own and this is why we are here today."
Kibaara further encouraged the athletes to register for more products provided by the company, noting that HFC Group has many more products and services that cater to their needs whether in active service or retirement.
The athletes will also benefit from training on prudent financial management and awareness on affordable housing.
