Kipchoge Stadium will be ready for Tokyo Trials, Mandago assures

ATHLETICS:  Uasin Gishu County Governor Jackson Mandago has assured stakeholders that stalled Kipchoge Keino Stadium will be ready to host the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games trials slated for June 19-21.

Mandago said they have been in discussion with Sport CS Amina Mohammed who has pledged to ensure the stadium is ready for the trials.

“We have been in discussion with the Ministry of sports and the CS has assured us that the stadium will be completed, it may not be fully complete but major facilities that will be used like the running track  is what they want to work on urgently,” said Mandago.

Governor Mandago who spoke at last Sunday’s Tusky’s 10km Road Race, praised the renewed effort from the ministry to complete the three stadia in the North Rift (Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi counties).

Necessary support

“I like the renewed effort from the ministry of sports on completing the stadia they had already started Kipchoge Keino in Eldoret, Kamariny in Iten, and Kipchoge Keino in Kapsabet. We have had discussion and the ministry has said through the sports funds now they are going to be in a position to complete those stadiums,” said the county boss.

However, Mandago said his government will offer all necessary support as the host of the event by ensuring there is proper security for the visitors and athletes.

The governor at the same time offered explanation on why the three stadia stalled for a long time.

“There was a contractual problem between the contractor and Ministry of sports because of delayed payments and also work that were not agreed upon but now I think that has been sorted from the commitment from the ministry of sports and we believe now the stadium will be completed in time,” he added.

The governor cautioned the local contractors on shoddy works and using dubious means in executing their work.    - Emmanuel Masinde