There will be no security breach during the forthcoming World Under 20 Athletics Championship, says retired Major General Jackson Tuwei.
Tuwei was reacting to last week’s withdrawal by New Zealand over fears of terrorism attack.
“When taking into consideration the current situation in Nairobi, including security risks, the open ended current Covid-19 lockdown and high and increasing case numbers, as well as NZ Government advice not to travel to Kenya, Athletics NZ has been advised by its insurance brokers that we cannot be guaranteed insurance cover for the team, management or coaches travelling to this event.” The new Zealand athletics federation said in a statement.
But in a quick rejoined Tuwei affirmed that assures have been put in place to ensure that the event is not only safe from the current Covid-19 pandemic but also secured from other threats.
“There is no cause for alarm. We successfully hosted the 2017 World Under 18 Championships here at Moi Stadium, Kasarani and we hope to enhance securing during the World Under 20 Championships in August,” Tuwei said Tuesday after he received a consignment of sport equipment from world athletics ahead of the event.
Tuwei also revealed that officials from the World Athletics are expected in Nairobi next month for the final inspection ahead of the biggest athletics event to be staged in Kenyan in the recent past.
The LOC is still waiting for more consignments for technical, training and competition equipment. He said they expected everything to be shipped latest July.
Tuwei, who is also the Athletics Kenya chairman noted that the renovation work at the venue is almost 80 per cent complete adding that the facility will be ready for use by the end of June.
“Of course, we have had our challenges with the main one being Covid-19, but judging from the progress, I am happy to say we are very much on course,” he noted.
According to Tuwei, already the LOC offices are up and running while the warm up area is being finalized. The Media Tribune and Media Centre were in progress.
He, however, affirmed just like the rest of the world, the LOC is taking Covid-19 threat seriously and there are already measures in place to ensure the visitors are safe.
Three doctors from the Local Organizing Committee were in Poland during the World Relays Championships to look at the Covid protocols at international level, hence they will be key in executing the same here.