Legendary athlete Dr. Kipchoge Keino wants the renovation of the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret completed.
The veteran track star said the renovations at the facility have dragged on for over ten years and this has impacted negatively on the country's sportsmen and women.
He said the facility is so iconic when it comes to sports in this country, especially in the production chain of track and field stars as well as football among other sporting disciplines.
“I am pleased to let you know that Kipchoge Keino Stadium is an iconic facility not just in Kenya but the whole world. This is why I am appealing to the international community to come and complete the construction of the stadium,” said Keino.
He said he had a discussion with a former minister in the late President Mwai Kibaki's government and approached China, who gave them Sh550 million for the construction but up to now nothing has been done.
“I also approached the late president Kibaki in person, who gave us Sh 100 million but only Sh20 million was used by the contractors and the remainder was used by a few people for their own benefit.
"I want the international community to build the gym, accommodation, and all that is required.
"We have seen people using stadium land to dry maize and other cereals. Let us be honest and develop such facilities. We need a stadium for training in North Rift, which is high altitude,” he narrated.
Kipchoge said he will approach another group of people to assist to enable athletes to train there.
He also appealed to countries to have sports on their development agenda. " We have talent all over and only counties can help in nurturing them," he added.
On doping matters, he said a few people are using Kenyan athletes for their own benefit.
He urged the incoming Sports Cabinet Secretary to introduce stringent measures to curb the vice that is killing sports among young people.
“Athletes should not accept to be used to destroy Kenya's good name through doping. Our athletes have a challenge and they need education. They should be made aware of the dangers of doping," he narrated.
