Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has hailed Kenya’s repeated hosting of the CAC Road Cycling African Championships, saying the increasing participation and improved organisation over the years reflect Kenya’s rising stature as a host of major continental sporting events.
Speaking in Kisumu, where the five-day championships are being held from October 21-25, Mwangi noted that the competition has grown significantly since Kenya first hosted it in Eldoret before moving to Diani.
“This is the third edition of the African championship that Kenya is hosting. We held it in Diani and Eldoret before,” Mwangi said.
“I have seen some improvements over time. We have quite huge turnover in this year’s event,” Mwangi said.
“It shows confidence and approval in what we have done over the years,” he added.
Mwangi also praised Kisumu County for its hospitality and support.
“Kisumu is a great city, there is great hospitality and support in the County led by the governor. This proves that Kisumu has come of age,” he said.
With the championships bringing together some of Africa’s finest cyclists, Mwangi urged residents to turn out in large numbers, cheer on the competitors.
“My plea to the people of Kisumu is to come in large numbers. Come mingle with the continental champions because they are all here,” he said.
The Principal Secretary further underlined Kenya’s growing profile as a destination for international sporting competitions, citing the country’s successful hosting record and its ambitious calendar of upcoming global events.
“Kenya is proud to have hosted quite a number of international competitions over the years, this cycling being one,” he said.
“We will be hosting the Africa Cup of Nations and we will also host the World Athletics Championships.”
Kenya is set to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania before making history in 2029 by becoming the first African nation to stage the senior World Athletics Championships.
Mwangi attributed the country’s growing ability to attract major sporting events to President William Ruto’s commitment to sports development, saying the government remained determined to position Kenya as a leading sporting destination while investing in athletes and teams.
“President Ruto is intentional in matters of sports. That is why Kenya has hosted global events and will host more global events in future,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the Ministry of Sports’ commitment to improving the welfare of Kenyan athletes, noting that the government had increased cash awards for sporting achievements, including in individual disciplines, as part of efforts to motivate competitors and reward excellence.
“The ministry has continued to support our sports men and women. Our teams’ cash awards have been reviewed upwards, including individual events,” Mwangi said.
He added that the government would continue to facilitate Kenyan teams’ participation in international competitions, giving athletes the opportunity to test themselves against the best on the global stage.
“We have continued to support our teams to go and compete internationally and we shall continue to do so,” he said.