By Samuel Ouma
Kenya has partnered with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in a joint initiative aimed at empowering refugees through sports, President William Ruto announced on Friday.
President Ruto stressed the value of the partnership in remarks when he hosted IOC President Thomas Bach and UNHCR Commissioner Filippo Grandi at State House, Nairobi. He highlighted initiatives to utilise refugees’ athletic ability and potential in Turkana County’s Kakuma Refugee Camp.
“We commit to work with your organisations in the development of sports infrastructure and provision of education and training programmes and facilities,” said President Ruto.
The Kenyan leader also stated that the Kenya Academy of Sports is looking into new partnerships with the IOC to help expand the country’s sports sector.
Consequently, Ruto pointed out that the Sports Fund has aligned with Kenya’s development goals, including actively combating doping and ensuring fair and clean competition.
“We want to make sure that Kenyan athletes can realise their full potential and benefit from their talents.” Added Ruto.
Mr. Bach complimented Kenya’s devotion to sports and excellent sports administration, noting that the country is one of the IOC’s most dependable members, with a comprehensive sports program.
He emphasised the importance of Kakuma Refugee Camp in the growth of refugee athletes, stating, “Kakuma is the cradle of the IOC refugee team, and many talented athletes have trained there.”
Regarding doping, a scourge that has affected sports worldwide, Mr. Bach recognised Kenya’s continuous efforts to combat it. He affirmed that he had spoken with Kenyan sports officials to ensure that any doping-related issues would be addressed thoroughly, reaffirming the country’s dedication to fair competition.
On his part, UNHCR Commissioner Filippo Grandi applauded Kenya’s efforts to host refugees and integrate them into national development goals.
He thanked the Turkana and Garissa county governments for adding refugee affairs to their agendas, which he believes has created a favourable atmosphere for refugees to prosper.
