County number 12 is set to hold a never seen before mountain marathon. The funds will be utilised in constructing a state of the art county cancer center.
Athletics Kenya(AK) President Lt. Gen.(Rt.) Jackson Tuwei congratulated the Governor Kiraitu and his Government. He thanked them for organizing the first ever Mountain Running Championship in Kenya, praising the County for its vision in developing Athletics.
Lt. Gen. Tuwei spoke at Serena Hotel Nairobi during a Sponsors’ breakfast and media brief for the inaugural race.
It will take place on February 22nd 2020 at the Kenya School of Adventure and Leadership (KESAL), Ntirimiti in Buuri Sub County.
For the convenience of sponsors, partners and the media ,today’s breakfast and briefing was conducted in Nairobi.
All who have agreed to work with Meru County Government to make the event a success.
Governor Kiraitu thanked all sponsors and media for accepting to partner with the County for the noble cause.
The championship whose rallying call is challenging the heights is geared toward fighting against cancer, environmental conservation and promotion of tourism and investment.
Meru County Governor, H.E. Kiraitu Murungi
Proceeds
Part of the proceeds from the event will go towards establishing a Cancer Institute at Meru Level Five Hospital. And also setting up a community mountain bongo and rhino sanctuary which are facing extinction.
He called on more partners from Kenya and abroad to register to be part of the first and historical Mt Kenya athletic feat. He affirms that he will personally register for the 2kms “keep the doctor away” race.
Accompanying the Governor at the ceremony was Deputy Governor Hon. Titus Ntuchiu, First Lady Madam Priscilla Murungi, Chief of Staff Hon. Gideon Kimathi and other top County officials.
The fundraiser is primarily will establish the gazetted Meru County Cancer Institute.
Mr Murungi will be taking part in a two-kilometer race. He has called on his county residents to register and compete in the competition to make the event a success.
Cancer Report
The Meru County Assembly passed a cancer bill in August of last year aimed at treating the deadly disease.
According to the National Cancer Institute Meru is number 11 nationwide.
Prostate cancer is the most popular male cancer infection at 14.5 per cent. Respectively, esophagus and stomach cancer take number two and three positions.
North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood supported the bill at the assembly.
We don’t have to wait until another leader dies for us to talk about cancer
North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood