Veteran rally driver Ben Muchemi has promised to work hard to speed up renovation and construction of new sports facilities.
Ben Muchemi
Appointed in January as the Chairman Sports Stadia Management Board (SSMB), Muchemi, a renown rally driver who has declined to retire from the sport despite battling with life threatening cancer, will be keen to see that Kenya has some of the best stadia and bid successfully to host a few of the international and continental tournaments.
“As the new chairman of SSMB, which will soon become the Sports Kenya Board after the an Act of Parliament is fully operational, I promise to act on all facilities and implement effectively the spirit of Jubilee manifesto and the aspirations of Kenyans with the same gusto and dedication that I have displayed in my rallying career and battle against cancer,” said Muchemi.
Strengthen bids
“My appointment was gazetted in January and I have taken time to study what needs to be done before making any major announcements. I know what is required and I will use the experience gained in leading other organisations like chair of the Rallye Sport, Safaricom Dealers Association and Kenya Rally School.
Several sports federations have expressed interest to host big continental and international competitions, with Football Kenya Federation eying to bid for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations while Athletics Kenya is thinking of going for the World Youth Championships, also in 2019.
Kenya Rugby Union is also considering luring International Rugby Union to slot one of its legs in the nine-tier World Seven Series in Kenya.
Muchemi believes his board will deliver and strengthen these bids when they repair existing sportsfacilities and build new ones to international standards.
“Developing sports facilities will greatly benefit the youth, our economy and sports in general. I believe in youth empowerment. This will be inspirational to them and bring harmony and patriotism in the country,” said Muchemi.
By Feverpitch Reporter, The Standard
