By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
The National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK) has petitioned a House Committee to push for increased allowances for Team Kenya ahead of the Olympics to be held in Paris, France.
Team Kenya is scheduled to take part in the Olympics that are slated for July 26th to August 11th this year.
NOCK officials led by their president Dr. Paul Tergat told the Sports and Culture Committee that the current allowances are too little and should be reviewed.
Speaking when they appeared before the Committee meeting chaired by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, NOCK Secretary General Francis Mutuku said players were paid Kshs. 26,000 while officials received Kshs. 39,000.
“We urge the Committee to consider pushing for an increment of training allowances for players who are currently paid Kshs. 1,000 per day,” said Mutuku.
in his response, Wanyama who concurred with NOCK asked the organisation to prepare a proposal of the new allowance rates and submit it to the Committee for action.
regarding the status of preparedness ahead of the competition, Tergat said: “Proper systems have been put in place to ensure successful preparation of Team Kenya that will fly our flag in Paris. This season, the team will prepare better than before.”
Mutuku further said that NOCK had secured a training Camp at Miramas city in France where the team will be expected to train before travelling to Paris.
“We have partnered with Miramas City to host the team for free. We will benefit from technical support from French coaches. The camp will provide a good final kick-off for Team Kenya before departing for Paris,” he added.
He noted that the team will arrive at the camp on July 1st and depart five days before the Olympics games’ kick-off.
During the 2024 Olympic games, 10,600 Athletes will represent the country.
“Athletics is the country’s main menu at the Olympics but we will have other teams like Rugby’s Shujaa and Women’s Volleyball team Malaika Strikers, boxing and tennis among others,” said the NOCK official.