Hosting U-18 makes me proud to be Kenyan

Finally, the World Under-18 Championships is here and what a relief for those who have been involved in the organisation.

As one of the organisers, I now know better what it takes to host an event of such magnitude.

It doesn’t only take money but a lot of effort and time.

I can’t quite quantify especially the man hours we have invested in the event but I am just happy that there seem to be light at the end of the tunnel.

The only down turn to the event is the fact that this will be the last edition and we will never have a chance to compare with future hosts.

According to the IAAF President Sebastian Coe, the reason for ending the event is because of the high expenditure incurred by federations around the world in flying teams to these championships.

The event is being replaced by regional competitions across the continents to save on expenses. However, we take solace in the fact that there has been improvement in terms of facilities and going forward, we have the right profile to take on even bigger projects.

The improvement of accommodation at Kenyatta University is also a major milestone and I just hope that the facility can be maintained so that we don’t start afresh with future events.

MAJOR FACELIFT

Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani has also been given a major face-lift and I equally hope that the managers of the facility, Sports Kenya, will do everything in their powers to maintain the place.

Areas like the Media Centre and the Media Tribune should stay the way they are to ensure journalists work in a better environment in future covering whatever event the stadium is hosting.

The U-18 has no doubt come with its benefits and even the scoreboard should be taken care of, this time round.

In short, I feel quite away from home when I am at Kasarani but it is all because of the renovations. This is the time I don’t shy away from our usual slug “Proud to be Kenyan”.

Having said that, my congratulations to the Local Organising Committee chaired by General Jackson Tuwei, the CEO Mwangi Muthee and the event’s Patron, Her Excellency the First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta for ensuring everything stays on the right track.

Indeed, it is a dream come true for us to host the prestigious event and we now look forward to even good performance by our athletes on the tract and field.

I know we have had a few challenges here and there but that is a global problem and we can live with it. However, we need to support the tourism sector by treating our visitors well. Finally, let us turn out in large numbers and support our teams.