Speaking moments after handing the national team the country’s flag to Janeth Jepkosgei, the team captain and world 800m silver medallist, Kibaki said it won’t be easy for the Kenyan etam as some of the runners coming to Nairobi are world class.
“The championship will bring some of the finest athletes from the continent. These athletes are some of the best in the world in respective disciplines, making the event therefore, be at world class level,” he said.
The President pointed out that for Kenyan athletes to claim glory, it will require them to put in a lot of hard work.
“Kenya has produced some of the biggest names in sports. This is the big name that you will carry with you to the championship and I urge you to prove it to Africa and the world that we are a great sporting nation,” he said.
The President was quick to point out that as host, the athletes have no reason not to win the overall title to emulate previous hosts.
“I look forward to hosting you back here at State House as champions. This championship is being held on Kenyan soil in front of your compatriots, millions of fans and admirers. I urge you to stamp your authority by winning this championship,” said Kibaki.
Olympic 800m silver medallist Janeth Jepkosgei and new 400m upstart Anderson Mureta were at hand to receive the flag from the president after being named as the Kenya team captains for women and men respectively.
Sports Minister Helen Sambili said the country was ready for the continent’s championship, a week before the athletes congregate in Nairobi for Africa’s premier track and field competition.
Sambili led a team of 125 athletes to State House to receive the national flag from the President.
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