Nairobi: The Kenyan Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International School Sport Federation (ISF) to host the ISF World Schools Cross Country Championships in Nairobi in May 2024. The MoU was signed by Kipchumba Maiyo, President of Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA), and Laurent Petrynka, President of ISF, at Jogoo House, the Ministry of Education’s headquarters.
According to Kenya News Agency, The signing was witnessed by Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Education, Mr. Ezekiel Machogu, and Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang. Machogu lauded ISF’s decision to select Kenya as the host, anticipating participation from students aged 12-18 from over 134 countries in the Race Course area. He highlighted Kenya’s education reform that integrates sports into the curriculum, providing avenues for young talents to develop their skills.
Machogu assured government support for the event, emphasizing that the entire country would back it. ISF President Petrynka emphasized the championship’s role in promoting school sports as a tool for students’ holistic development. He expressed confidence in Kenya’s ability to ensure the safety and security of athletes, citing the country’s track record in hosting international events.
KSSA President Kipchumba Maiyo reiterated Kenya’s status in school sports and the role of sports in fostering discipline and steering young people away from social evils. The event was attended by notable figures, including Athletics Kenya President Lt (Rtd) General Jackson Tuwei, Director of Field Coordination and Co-Curricular Activities Mr. Hassan Duale, and senior KSSSA officials.