Institutions of learning that condone drugs and substance abuse risk of a two-year ban and dismissal from participating in sporting events.
The tough warning comes as the institutions marked end of the second term ball games competition held in Kisii High school, and Kenya Institute of Building and Highway in the outskirts of Kisii town, Kisii County.
Addressing the press at KHIBIT, the Chair Kenya Technical Sports Association, Waithaka Jesse, noted that the drugs were destroying youths and their talents adding that those found to be involved will together with their institutions, be suspended forthwith as per the competition regulations.
Jesse who is also the Director, Kenya Institute of Survey and Mapping noted there were over 1,400 both men and women participants from 14 institutions who participated in ball games including football, netball and volleyball among others.
He highlighted the importance of greening the environment and led participants in planting about 3,000 trees seedlings at the KHIBIT Kisii campus
Jesse explained that an improvement had been noted from previous sporting events and encouraged other institutions that don’t have capacity to join to build their capacity in preparations for future.
Millicent Otomu, the Vice Chair for Kenya Technical Sports Association and manager National Industrial Training Authority, Athi River, applauded what she termed as great effort by participating students living with disability.
She said they exhibited great effort in the ball games despite lacking ample preparations owing to persistent confinement.
Otomu cited advantages of participating in the games including opportunity to get scouted by various corporate institutions which end up offering attachment and employment.
Jared Angwenyi, the Kisii Sports officer said the games had talented players who will help build the sporting industry in the country.
He said the county government was carrying out various activities to promote sports including organizing for the Governor’s cup meant to identify talents later this year and modernization of Gusii stadium which youths can use to develop their talents.
Interim coach for Railway Training Institute winning ladies basketball, Mike Steven said his team won due to hard work.
He said both teams, together with Kenya Industrial Training Institute deserved to be in the finals.
Mary Muthoma, RTI ladies’ basketball captain, described the game as excellent though tough.
By Jane Naitore
