Kenya plans bid for 2023 Worlds but Chan still in limbo

Kenya is set to submit a bid to host the 2023 IAAF World Athletics Championships, Sports Cabinet Secretary Dr. Hassan Wario announced on Tuesday, a month after the East African athletics powerhouse successfully staged the junior version of the global track and field competition in Nairobi.

Wario made the declaration at the Kenyan capital as he received the Team Kenya that finished second overall at the London 2017 edition of the championships.

According to the CS, the ambitious move is backed by the success it enjoyed in July when it brought together athletes from over 130 countries to compete at the IAAF World Under-18 Championships – a competition that witnessed record attendances.

“We are happy to hear from our delegation from London that athletics stakeholders all over the world are still talking about our fantastic reception during the World Under-18 Championships at Kasarani.

“It is also very encouraging to see our athletes fly high our flag even in the so competitive London event. We will therefore bid to host the 2023 championship,” Wario affirmed.

The next edition will be in Doha, Qatar come 2019 while Eugine of the United States of America host the 2021 event.

In the wake of the declaration, Athletics Kenya (AK) president Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei said Kenya has got what it takes to realize the dream but acknowledged it would call for total commitment.

“No doubt the world believes Kenya can do this. We are among the six potential African countries named by the Confederation of African Athletics president Hamad Kalkaba Malboum that can host the global event.

“We however need to bid for the Under-20 Championship before we leap into the senior competition so that we grow progressively, from the Under-18,” opined Tuwei.

Other countries mentioned are Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria and South Africa.

Tuwei said the collaboration that was witnessed between the government and the athletics body in the preparation for the Under-18 event can only go a notch higher, to see success of such a bid.

Retired two-time marathon World Champion and Olympic silver medalist Catherine Ndereba welcomed the announcement, saying Kenya has come of age to host the biennial athletics fiesta.

“I have run in many championships and I know we can do it. We just need to be serious in bridging the gaps that exist in areas such as infrastructure, which is possible in the next five years.

“We cannot rest on our laurels. Once we bring such a competition home, we will have a lot to reap even in the future. It is sweet to win at home, like we always do away,” offered the four-time Boston marathon winner.

-Chan question-

While the athletics fraternity is chuffed at the news, football enthusiasts in the country are anxious the Confederation of African Football (CAF) could withdraw CHAN following the so far shambolic preparations.

During the July CAF Extraordinary General Assembly held in Rabat, Morocco, Kenya was given up to August 28 to assure the continental body of readiness to host the January 2018 event.

The CHAN question can only be answered by the ministry of Sports thorough which the government effects her sports programs, before the 13 days deadline elapses.

CAF was categorical at least Ksh.7 billion is needed to bring the tournament to Kenya, with at least four stadia needed for the action.

So far, only Moi Sports Centre Kasarani is ready, as Meru’s Kinoru, Kipchoge Keino in Eldoret and Nyayo in Nairobi fall far short of the required minimum standards.

They lack requirements such as floodlights, numbered seats and enough changing rooms.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Nick Mwendwa had intimated before the August 8 general elections that the CHAN conversation would effectively resume after the polls.

On August 28, CAF inspectors will be touring the Kenya for the last inspection before announcing the final decision.

Tags:

CHAN bid Dr. Hassan Wario London 2017 2023 IAAF World Athletics Championships

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