Kenya is set to welcome the world as it hosts the 2024 ISF World School Cross Country Championships in Nairobi from May 10 to 15.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sealing the deal was signed by Kipchumba Maiyo, the chairman of the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA), and Laurent Petrynka, the president of the International School Sport Federation (ISF).
The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Education headquarters at Jogoo House.
Ezekiel Machogu, Kenya’s Education CS, and Dr. Belio Kipsang, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, witnessed the signing.
Machogu commended the ISF’s decision to grant Kenya the honor of hosting this global event, where students aged 12 to 18 from over 134 countries will compete at the Ngong Race Course.
Machogu assured ISF and KSSSA that the government, in collaboration with other partners, would spare no effort in delivering a world-class championship.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting sports as an integral part of education, providing opportunities for young talents to flourish and potentially pursue careers in sports.
Expressing satisfaction with the government’s support, ISF President Petrynka highlighted Kenya’s rich athletic history and the commitment shown by the Kenyan government to ensure the event’s success.
All necessary agreements have been signed, confirming ISF’s contentment with the level of support and dedication demonstrated by the Kenyan government.
The event, scheduled for May 2024, is not only about sports; organizers plan to enhance the championship with cultural activities.
These activities aim to facilitate exchanges between delegations, providing an opportunity for participants to learn about each other and their respective countries.
The ceremony was attended by key figures such as Lt (Rtd) General Jackson Tuwei, the head of Athletics Kenya, Hassan Duale, Director of Field Coordination and Co-Curricular Activities, and the presidents of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations (FEASSSA): Justus Mugisha of Uganda, Luke Karemangingo of Rwanda, and Dennis Otieno of Tanzania.
With this significant sporting event, Kenya looks forward to showcasing its hospitality and celebrating the spirit of global sportsmanship in May 2024.
