The construction of the Keringet Sports Academy at Ndabibit Village in Kuresoi South sub-County is on course.
The high altitude training centre, one of Governor Lee Kinyanjui’s flagship projects, will help nurture talents in the County and beyond.
It’s also set to offer employment opportunities in associated service such as coaching, physiotherapy, dietary among others.
Governor Lee Kinyanjui, Deputy Governor Dr Erick Korir and other top County officials toured the proposed site in December 2018 and had talks with local leaders and athletes.
Today, county officials, consultants and members of the community toured the 20 acres proposed site ahead of a groundbreaking ceremony coming up in a near future.
“The County Government of Nakuru is working on a tailor-made design that will capture its aspirations and those of athletes,” stated Sports CO Dr William Migwe.
Keringet has produced world-beaters such as former world marathon champion Geoffrey Kirui and the reigning Olympic 1,500m champion Faith Chepng’etich.
On her part, Director for Sports Ms Alice Gekonde underscored the immense potential the facility has in generating income through sports tourism.
“The higher altitude training facility will attract international athletes and scouts who will use the facility at a fee with a trickle effect on the local economy,” she believed.
Globally, sports tourism generates around Sh61 trillion a year, according to the World Travel Market.
She added that the facility will make athletes appreciate the discipline like any other form of employment.
The inaugural Keringet Road Race took place on November 30th where winners in the 15 kilometres took home Sh100, 000, runner up Sh80, 000 and 3rd placedSh60, 000.
In the 10KM race, the winner received Sh50,000.
Races and other sporting activities are set to resume once the COVID-19 pandemic is contained.