He pointed out that sports, culture and arts are crucial to economic development of the country and therefore can no longer be left in the hands of well-wishers to sponsor their activities.
“This year Harambee Stars (national football team) will not beg or borrow but will be fully funded by the government, likewise our national rugby team, netball team and all other national teams will be fully sponsored by the government,” said Kenyatta.
He reiterated that all athletes will be sponsored and that they will no longer lack uniforms as they represent the nation in international sporting events.
“The new Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund will ensure no athlete is left behind,” said the President.
Kenyatta was speaking this morning when he addressed over 25,000 participants of the 4th edition of the Beyond Zero Half Marathon.
The President commended the First Lady for her efforts in helping mothers and children access quality healthcare services saying the initiative has highly contributed to the decrease of maternal and child mortality rates in the country.
“This is a noble initiative which goes a long way in assisting to achieve the national government agenda of zero maternal and child mortality,” said the President.
Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and former First Lady Roman Tesfaye participated in Sunday’srace which attracted amateur and elite athletes.
Josephat Bett and Brilliant Kipkoech won the 21km men and women’s races and were awarded cash prizes of 250,000 Kenya shillings ($2,500) each.