Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said the Government is investing in sports to help in the fight against alcoholism, drugs and substance abuse among the youth.
Speaking on Thursday when he hosted top Kenyan athletes sponsored by Adidas at the Official Residence in Karen, Mr Gachagua said Sports is critical in bringing up responsible Kenyans able to eke a living away from the vices.
“Sporting activities are good for our country. It is helping us in the fight against alcoholism, drugs and substance abuse. I am leading the fight against the vices and I am not going back on this because we were almost losing an entire generation to them,” he said.
The Deputy President said they are constructing sports facilities and expanding others to accommodate the growing needs.
“Fighting these vices is not enough. We need to back it up with sports facilities for the youth to exploit their talents. We are enhancing our sports facilities across the country,” he said.
Present were marathon winners Benson Kipruto (2024 Tokyo Marathon winner), Amos Kipruto, Peres Jepchirchir, Benjamin Bitok, Abraham Tarbei, Cyprian Kotut and Monica Wanjiru.
The DP also said the impasse on Athletics Kenya elections will be solved.
“We are going to sort out the issues on the elections. But we don’t want to destabilise preparations for the Paris Olympics. I will speak with Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba so we look into the issue of elections after the Olympics,” said Mr Gachagua.
