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Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed has admitted there are delays as far as preparations for the World Under-20 Athletics Championships to be held in Nairobi in July are concerned. 

Amina says while strides have been made towards hosting the global event slated for July 7-12, more still needs to be done at the competition’s venue, Kasarani Stadium, as well as the Athlete’s Village at Kenyatta University.

After Friday’s inspection tour of the facilities at Kenyatta University, which was led by the CS joined by members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Amina says Kasarani Stadium might be closed earlier than earlier anticipated.

Her remarks come after it was noted that rolls of material meant to be used for laying a training facility at Kenyatta University is lying on the vast playing fields at the institution.

Also part of the training track has been partially tarmacked, but most of the fields still have tall grass.

“Competition venue, Kasarani, will take slightly longer time, but by end of May, we should see good progress.

Initially, the facility was to be closed in March for renovation, but given the work that needs to be done, there will be a decision to close the facility earlier,” said the Amina.

While closing Kasarani earlier might not be a difficult decision, Amina says renovations at Kenyatta University will have to wait until April. 

“Presently, not much can be done at the university facility especially with the laying of the training track.

It has to wait until students are on holiday so that renovations can start. But everything should be ready by May,” she added, while emphasising laying of the artificial track will start soon.

The CS also lauded the team of doctors from World Athletics who have been inspecting a number of hospitals including Kenyatta University Hospital as well as Aga Khan that will be used during the championships.

“I am told the doctors will install devices that will be used to monitor things like air quality ahead of championships. I think it is good for everyone,” she said.