President Ruto promises more support towards IOC refugee programs

President William Ruto has announced that Kenya is collaborating with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support refugees in pursuing athletic opportunities.

Ruto made the announcement during a meeting with IOC President Thomas Bach and UNHCR Commissioner Filippo Grandi at State House, Nairobi, on Friday.

The President highlighted ongoing efforts to harness the athletic talents of refugees at Kakuma camp in Turkana County, aiming to position the camp as a breeding ground for Olympic talent.

"Kenya is partnering with the International Olympic Committee and the UNHCR to provide refugees with opportunities in sports. These efforts are dedicated to nurturing the athletic potential of refugees at Kakuma and developing the camp into a hub for Olympic talent," he said.

Following his meeting with Bach and Grandi, President Ruto expressed Kenya’s commitment to working with both organizations to advance sports development in the country.

Ruto also discussed potential partnerships between the IOC and the Kenya Academy of Sports to enhance sports infrastructure, education, and training programs for Kenyan athletes.

In a statement on his official X account, President Ruto wrote, "We explored collaborative opportunities between the IOC and the Kenya Academy of Sports to advance sports infrastructure, education, and training programs for our athletes."

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IOC President Bach praised Kenya’s long-standing reputation in the global sports arena and commended the government’s support for sports.

He noted that Kenya’s holistic approach to sports development made it one of the IOC’s exemplary members.

On the refugee initiative, Bach remarked, “Kakuma is the birthplace of the IOC Refugee Team, and many refugee athletes have trained there.”

Addressing the global issue of doping, Bach informed President Ruto that he had engaged with Kenyan sports officials to ensure comprehensive measures are in place to tackle any related challenges.

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UNHCR Commissioner Filippo Grandi expressed gratitude for Kenya's dedication to hosting and supporting refugees.

He thanked the Turkana and Garissa County governments for incorporating refugee welfare into their development agendas.

The meeting was attended by Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Principal Secretary Peter Tum, and the National Olympic Committee of Kenya President Paul Tergat.