Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has promised athletes that the government is committed to improving the lives of both active and retired athletes as part of its mission to enhance their welfare.Speaking at the burial ceremony of the late legendary athlete Henry Rono held at Kirobon farm in Kuresoi North, Molo, Nakuru County on Wednesday, Namwamba reiterated the government’s plan to introduce universal health coverage for retired athletes, ensuring they have access to affordable healthcare upon retirement.##NAJAVA_MECA_7910366##Rono passed away on Thursday, February 15, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital where he had been admitted for 10 days.Rono, famously known for setting records in just 81 days, achieved a remarkable feat in 1978 as a 26-year-old Washington State sophomore by setting world records in four events: the 3,000m, 5,000m, 10,000m, and 3,000m steeplechase, a feat unmatched by anyone before or since.Namwamba also highlighted the government’s initiative to support athletes through the establishment of an endowment fund.Eliud Kipchoge returns to Tokyo keen to extend dominanceAthletics Kenya leads fraternity in mourning KipsangThrough his ministry, the government injected Ksh. 20 million as the seed fund to support athletes’ welfare. He emphasized the ministry’s determination to rectify past injustices faced by athletes and pledged renewed efforts to acknowledge them while still active and alive.”Our athletes are like our golden geese, which lay the golden eggs. They are Kenya’s greatest export and branding asset,” Namwamba observed.”We have been deliberate and intentional in recognizing them, implementing a revamped rewards system, which we are determined to enhance further.” He added.He also mentioned the Hongera Awards, which have enabled the government to honor legends like Henry Rono with cash awards. Namwamba expressed the ministry’s commitment to improving this recognition for the benefit of their esteemed athletes.Principal Secretary Engineer Peter Tum, who accompanied Namwamba, echoed his sentiments, affirming the government’s commitment to supporting athletes during their active careers and beyond.”As the accounting officer, under the guidance of the CS, we will support all our athletes, both while active and after they retire,” Tum assured.
