By Sang Kevin
The Secretary in the Office of the President Arthur Osiya has called upon all stakeholders from Busia County to come forward and provide support for the Busia Half Marathon.
The marathon is scheduled for December 2024.
In an interview with Uasin Gishu News, Osiya noted that, as one of the national government leaders from Busia County, he would be at the forefront of ensuring the success of the event, which aims to nurture talent and raise awareness about cancer among Busia residents.
He made the remarks on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, after receiving the Chairperson of Athletics Kenya Busia County, Martin Kabaka, and his sister Ms. Ann Otiti, along with representatives from the Western Development Initiative Association (WEDIA) led by their National Chairperson Joseph Barasa and his clerk Aggrey Okunyanyi.
Responding to WEDIA’s request for approval to hold the race, Osiya donated Ksh 200,000 and assured them of his continued support until the event’s conclusion.
On his part, Barasa commended Osiya for his generosity and urged all leaders in Busia County to follow his example to ensure the success of the race.
Barasa stated that they anticipate attracting over three thousand five hundred runners from across the country, including runners from neighboring Uganda.
Scheduled for December 15th, the Busia Half Marathon will be the second such event organized by WEDIA.
The first was first held in 2011 and sponsored by Coca-Cola through its Equator Bottlers plant. The race was the inaugural running event in Western Kenya.
There will be three categories of races, including a half marathon from Nambale Town to Busia Polytechnic, a 10-kilometer race for locals starting from Kemodo to Busia Polytechnic, and a race for children under 15 years.
Top ten finishers in each category will be awarded prizes.
