By Robert Kibet
Kenya’s President William Ruto has said that Kenya is working with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support refugees' participation in sports.
The President pointed out that these efforts are harnessing the athletic talent and potential of refugees at Kakuma, Turkana County, and positioning the camp as a hub for Olympic talent.
He was speaking when he met IOC President Thomas Bach and UNHCR Commissioner Filippo Grandi, who had made a courtesy call on President Ruto at State House Nairobi.
“We commit to working with your organizations in the development of sports infrastructure and provision of education and training programs and facilities,” he said.
With Bach, the President explored potential partnerships between the IOC and the Kenya Academy of Sports to further advance the development of sports so that Kenya’s sportsmen and women can fully reap the benefits of their talent and reach their potential.
The President emphasized that the Sports Fund has been strategically aligned with Kenya's development goals, focusing on combating doping and promoting fair, clean competition in athletics.
Bach highlighted that Kenya has firmly established itself as a globally respected sporting nation, recognized for its strong sports administration and commitment to excellence at home.
He commended the government for fully supporting sports, adding that Kenya is one of the IOC members with a holistic sports program.
On refugees and the Olympics, Bach said: “Kakuma is the cradle of the IOC refugee team and many refugee athletes have trained there.”
Addressing the critical issue of doping, which has cast a shadow over athletics worldwide, the IOC President informed President Ruto that he had engaged in discussions with Kenyan sports officials and reached an agreement to tackle any emerging concerns through a comprehensive and transparent approach.
UNHCR Commissioner Grandi praised Kenya for its longstanding role in hosting refugees and creating an environment where they can feel a sense of belonging and safety, a true "home away from home."
He expressed UNHCR’s gratitude to the Turkana and Garissa county governments for integrating refugee affairs into their development plans, highlighting their commitment to inclusive growth and support for refugee communities.
