Tuwei explains what it takes to host an international event in Kenya

Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei has shed light on the complex standards needed to host an international athletics competition in the country.

Kenya has made commendable steps in hosting international events, like the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run, a World Athletics Bronze level event that happened on Saturday at the ACK Chepsaita Secondary School in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County.

This comes months after the Eldoret hosted the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour, a World Athletics Gold level on February 4 at the Lobo Village. The third edition of the Kipkeino Classic which happened on May 13 at the Kasarani Stadium was also a continental gold tour event.

"We have come a long way," Tuwei said.

Kenya first hosted the 2007 International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Cross Country Championships in March 24, 2007. The races were held at the Mombasa Golf Course in Mombasa, Kenya.

The country then hosted the 2010 African Championships, before hosting the World Under 20 Championships in 2017 and 2021, among other events.

Inaugural Chepsaita Cross Country Run lives upto billing

The President explained that hosting the events called for capacity building, and support from various organizations like the Fourth Estate and corporates.

"It does not come out of nothing. It is the fruit of a lot of effort. We need support elements like media. We have to show, what kind of media is here in Kenya, what kind of information they have, what kind of equipment they have, can they inform the whole world about what is happening in Kenya," he pointed out.

Due to the global attention that Kenya gets for producing world-beating athletes, the retired general pointed out the events attract lots of people from different countries.

In line with that, logistical issues such as accommodation and transportation to and from the venue had to be put into consideration. The quality of officials was also an area for consideration.

"There are other logistics like accommodation, transportation, technical officials. There is so much involved in hosting a world-class event. It is not running alone. We have built that to the extent that now we have a name," he noted.

The World Athletics Vice Chairman refused to be carried away by the success so far, noting that they were constantly aiming higher.

"We want to continue building it in terms of technology, reporting, and getting the right results, and so on. Last week one of our coaches was voted the best in the world. We have another coach in Budapest who is doing his PhD. That is how we are building capacity. Let us support each other." he pointed out.

Athletics fans are bracing for another thrilling international competition; the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour slated for February 3, 2024.