Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba gifted 17-year-old Mercy Chepngeno from Lesirwo Secondary School in Kericho County after her exemplary performance during the Rift Valley Secondary School Sports Association games.
In a statement on Friday, March 29, the Ministry of Sports said Chepngeno who won the 3000m steeplechase race, running barefoot captured the attention of CS Namwamba who then visited her at her school to congratulate her.
“This extraordinary feat caught the attention of Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Ababu Namwamba, who visited the talented athlete at Lesirwo Secondary School to congratulate her. Born in September 2007, this young talent displayed exceptional determination and grit, embodying the spirit of the CS's "Kujituma" call, that led her to victory in the steeplechase event.,” read the statement in part.
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The Sports CS in appreciation of Chepngeno’s achievement presented her with a complete Team Kenya uniform and a personal donation of Sh 100,000 to support her education.
CS Namwamba also kitted three other students who competed alongside Chepngeno and contributed Sh100,000 to aid their educational pursuits.
He promised to integrate Chepngeno and other promising athletes into specialized programs at the Kenya Academy of Sports, citing it as a strategic approach to revitalizing Kenya's steeplechase prowess.
“Chepngeno's resilience and talent have not only earned her acknowledgement but also educational and athletic support, highlighting the significance of determination and talent in sports development endeavors,” the Sports Ministry added.
CS Namwamba further outlined plans to establish a training camp in the region to support upcoming athletes.
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