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"content": "Again, I congratulate our team that participated in the All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville. Kenya won the 4 by 400 metres men’s relays. I think it happened again for the first time. This is a testimony that at this time, we have no fear that in the near future, in terms of the short races and track events, we have no challenge. I think by having good strategies ahead of time, we will make it and ensure that we have a team. The other issue is that of our athletes relocating to other countries for greener pastures. You are aware of Stephen Cherono who hails from Elgeyo-Marakwet County who won the 3000 metres steeplechase in 2003. His record has never been broken by anybody. He has offered the shoes that he used to run the same race and even his Mercedes Benz which he bought using the money that he won from that race to anybody who will break the record that he set in Helsinki in 2003. So, Kenya remains an outstanding country in terms of sports. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, as I conclude, during the All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville, every other time there was a commercial break, they would show some athletes on the giant screens. We were surprised because all the athletes were from Kenya and the words that were written at the bottom of the screen were, “Africa is going higher and higher in terms of sports.” There were just around five athletes and you could see David Rudisha, a gold medalist in 800 metres; Ezekiel Kemboi, 3000 metres steeplechase; Asbel Kiprop, 1,500 metres; and Julius Yego, the javelin gold medalist. We really appreciated that. Every other time our flag was raised, we could really feel that Kenya, indeed, is one family. That is what we need to do. Lastly, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, is the issue of ball games. If Kenya has to go forward, we should be serious and establish football and volleyball academies. If we do that, I am sure that this country would produce the best footballers and volleyballers. We have people such as Wanyama and Origi. However, we can produce more and more because such people were nurtured a little bit late when they were either in primary or high school. For us to move forward, we should have academies to nurture young talents from primary schools at the level of Standard One of Two. If that is the case, then, we would have teams that could not only beat other teams from East Africa but the entire Africa and the entire world will recognise Kenya. As a country, we have what it takes in terms of human resources. The only things we need are facilities. The Government should do its job to ensure that facilities such as stadia and equipment are available in the stadia. The Government should ensure that time is created in learning institutions, both primary and secondary schools, for students to be trained in sports apart from being taught in class. This is because football, volleyball, athletics and other sports are a major source of income and earn this country good returns. Therefore, we cannot let go. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I, once again, thank all Members for their wonderful contributions. As we move forward, we will witness the fruits of what we did today. We those few remarks, I beg to reply."
}