Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua now says that the government will support Kenyan athletes to realize their full potential.
Speaking on Sunday, Gachagua said the support will be through the Talanta Hela Initiative.
He had attended the Tinderet Barng'etuny Mountain Run National Championship in Tinderet Constituency, Nandi County.
“The unique competition held in the tough and challenging mountainous terrain attracted hundreds of athletes keen to explore their talents. It also opened a window of opportunities for many aspiring champions.
“Through the Talanta Hela Initiative, they will receive requisite support to fully exploit their potential,” Gachagua said.
He also noted that Kenyan athletes have been a great source of inspiration for many generations because of their resilience and determination to be the best in the world in what they do.
“Our athletes have for years remained the shining light, great motivators to the young people and perfect representation of what hard work can deliver.”
Gachagua commended Tinderet MP Julius Melly, who is also the Patron of the Mountain Run, Athletics Kenya, and Nandi county government for organizing the competition.
He also congratulated the winners of the Senior Men and Women Races Fredrick Domongole and Sharon Cherotich.
The DP was accompanied by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Athletics Kenya Chairman Jackson Tuwei, Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum, Nandi Woman MP Cynthia Muge, and MPs Maryanne Kitany (Aldai), Abraham Kirwa ( Mosop), Josses Lelmengit (Emgwen), Bernard Kitur (Nandi Hills), Chesumei), Hillary Kosgei (Kipkelion West), Joseph Cherorot (Kipkelion East) and Zipporah Kering (EALA).
Other guests were Mountain Run Chairman Peter Angwenyi, Chepsaita Marathon Patron Farouk Kibet, National Police Service Commission Chief Executive Officer Peter Lelei, Nandi County Assembly Speaker Philemon Melly, political leaders including Allan Kosgey, and MCAs from Nandi County.