President Uhuru Kenyatta has reiterated his support for Kenya's bid for the World Championship in 2025.
The Head of State said this week's World Under 20 Championships at Moi Stadium, Kasarani, will be evidence of the country's readiness for the global event in three year's time.
"We have been honoured to host the World Under 20 Athletics Championships 2021 and it is my profound hope that this will now lay a foundation for Kenya to be the first African country to host the World Athletics Championships," Kenyatta said.
The President pointed out the historical significance of hosting the World Championships for the country, noting the need to expend all resources towards a successful bid.
"We will do everything within our power, working with all stakeholders to ensure Kenya becomes the first nation in Africa to host the World Athletics Championships. We are slowly moving in that direction,” he said.
President Kenyatta was speaking at State House, Mombasa, when he hosted eight of Kenya's 10 medalists at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
They included gold medalists Peres Jepchirchir (marathon) and Emmanuel Korir (800m) as well as silver medalists Bridgid Kosgei (marathon), Hellen Obiri (5,000m), Timothy Cheruiyot (1,500m) and Ferguson Rotich (800m). 3,000m steeplechase bronze medalist Benjamin Kigen was also in attendance.
The President awarded Sh1 million, Sh750,000 and Sh500,000 to the gold, silver and bronze medalists respectively, in addition to a uniform token of Sh200,000 for all athletes and officials, including the Paralympics team, currently preparing for the delayed Summer Games.
"We are here to celebrate your victory which is Kenya’s victory. And we are here to congratulate you, to say how proud we are of your performances as individuals and as a team,” the Head of State added.
President Kenyatta also promised that the government will work closely with all stakeholders to nurture talent at the grassroots and increase the country's reputation as a sporting powerhouse.
Also present at State House, Mombasa was World Athletics president Sebastian Coe and Sports Permanent Secretary Joe Okudo, who spoke on behalf of Cabinet Secretary for Sports Amina Mohamed.
"Their hard work over the years has, once again, placed Kenya on the global map and furthered our reputation as the home of champions,” he said.
Kenya was the top-ranked African country at the delayed Summer Games after garnering a total of 10 medals (four gold, four silver and two bronze).