Renewed PLEDGE for DRUG-free sports: Government on course with anti-doping fight, says Sports Secretary, Rugut

Cicilia Kiplagat of Prison participate in Javelin games during AK Safaricom Premier Weekend meet at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret yesterday. He beat other eleven players scoring 39.32 points to complete in top position. 22.05.2015. Pictures By Peter Ochieng

Sports Secretary Japhter Rugut restated the government’s commitment to stem the doping tide that has been threatening the stability of Kenyan sports.

The remark comes against a backdrop of positive doping results against Kenyan athletes, which have threatened to ruin the nation’s brilliant exploits in global shows.

“Doping is not just cheating, but harms your health and future life. A win at the international level by Kenyan athletes has in the recent days been questionable,” Rugut said on Friday, while opening the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.

He added that the Anti-Doping Association of Kenya will get rid of the scourge, if given the required support by all sports personalities.

Kipchoge Keino, the chair of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya asked the youth to make good use of the facility to spur their athletics talents.

“The Government can utilise the 20 acres of land here by putting up other facilities that will see the stadium attain a world class stature. We need a gymnasium, basketball court, swimming pool and others,” said Keino, the 1968 Olympic Games 1,500m champion.

Kipchoge Keino Stadium’s facelift in Eldoret ends the stark contrast with the state-of-the-art Kip Keino Stadium in Bristol, United Kingdom.

Newly appointed Sports Kenya chair Fred Muteti said they will partner with the Uasin Gishu County Government to build a perimeter wall, a pavilion, terraces and roofs, to raise the facility’s standards.

“We want this to be a recreation centre for athletes and footballers, among other people, who would want to use it to generate money,” said Muteti.

Athletics Kenya vice president David Okeyo said maintenance costs are too high.

“We need a warm-up track for training and spare the main track for competitions only,” said Okeyo.

He said the stadium will host the national athletics championships — this will the first time the big showpiece is staged outside Nairobi.