The National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK) has petitioned a House Committee to push for increased allowances for Team Kenya ahead of the Olympics to be held in Paris, France.
Team Kenya is scheduled to take part in the Olympics that are slated for July 26th to August 11th this year.
NOCK officials, led by their president, Dr. Paul Tergat, told the Sports and Culture Committee that the current allowances are too little and should be reviewed.
Speaking when they appeared before the committee meeting chaired by Hon. Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), NOCK Secretary General Mr. Francis Mutuku said players were paid Kshs. 26,000 while officials received Kshs. 39,000.
“We urge the Committee to consider pushing for the increment of training allowances for players who are currently paid Kshs. 1,000 per day,” said Mr. Mutuku.
In his response, Hon. Wanyama, who concurred with NOCK, asked the organisation to prepare a proposal of the new allowance rates and submit it to the Committee for action.
Regarding the status of preparedness ahead of the competition, Mr. Tergat said: “Proper systems have been put in place to ensure the successful preparation of Team Kenya that will fly our flag in Paris. This season, the team will prepare better than before,” he added.
Mr. Mutuku said that NOCK had secured a training camp in Miramas, France, where the team will be expected to train before traveling to Paris.
“We have partnered with Miramas City to host the team for free. We will benefit from technical support from French coaches. The camp will provide a good final kick-off for Team Kenya before departing for Paris,” he added.
He noted that the team will arrive at the camp on July 1st and depart five days before the Olympic Games kick-off.
Mr. Mutuku further told the committee that 10,600 athletes will represent the country during the Olympics.
“Athletics is the country’s main menu at the Olympics, but we will have other teams like rugby’s Shujaa and women’s volleyball team Malaika Strikers, boxing, and tennis, among others,” he added.
He added that NOCK has also partnered with Deloitte to provide risk advisory services.
“Kenya’s reputation was dented following the Tokyo Olympics fiasco. We have brought in Deloitte to deal with the reputation risk,” he added.
He added that Team Kenya’s kits were designed by a Kenyan, noting that the kits will be ready in three weeks.
He added, “NOCK has made plans to assist players in securing visas and air tickets on time.”
Tergat said NOCK’s focus was on the preparations of Team Kenya, and they have directed all available resources at their disposal to achieve this goal.
“Performance is a reflection of preparation, and that is why we are doing everything to ensure Team Kenya is in good form and in shape to win more medals,” he added.
The Committee expressed its satisfaction with the level of preparedness by NOCK for Team Kenya.
“We are satisfied with the plans put in place to ensure the team prepares adequately. The Committee will provide the necessary support you need,” said Hon. Wanyama.
The Committee also met sports, arts, and social development officials led by their CEO, Mr. Ibrahim Nuh, to assess their success stories and challenges.
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