“Thanks Lotto for Making Kenya Number One,” Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba Appreciates

The Government through the Ministry of Youth, Sports and The Arts has paid a glowing tribute to Lotto for promoting athletics in the country.

The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Youth, Sports and The Arts Ababu Namwamba commended Lotto saying that their contribution made Kenya reclaim the World Cross Country overall title after a ten year wait during 44th edition of the World Athletics Cross Country Championships at Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, Australia on Sunday, February 19th, 2023.

Kenya was ranked first on the medal standings with 10 medals; six gold, two silver and two bronze. Kenya won two individual titles, mixed relay title and three team titles.

Kenya last won the World Cross Country overall title when it was held at the Myślęcinek Park in Bydgoszcz, Poland in 2013.

“Thanks to Joan and Lotto for your support to athletics and we are proud of you for making Kenya shine internationally by being on top of the world,” said Namwamba during a reception hosted by the Ministry of Sports for the world beating cross country team at Weston Hotel in Nairobi on Wednesday, February 22^nd, 2023.

Lotto Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Joan Mwaura (second right) and the legendary Five Times World Cross Country champion Dr Paul Tergat (far left) pose with the victorious Kenyan team that won the World Cross Country Championships overall title during the team’s reception at Weston Hotel in Nairobi

The Lotto Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Joan Mwaura said they were proud of being part of the process that catapulted Kenya to World glory.

“Cross country has been our baby since we took it up as its main supporter as the funding agency. We are proud to report that our baby is now a fully grown on its feet and can challenge the world,” said Dr Mwaura.

Mwaura said the will continue supporting sports programmes in the country and ensure that Lotto promotes the tapping and nurturing of raw and youthful talent in Kenya.

“We are going to support the World Athletics Championships trials in ensuring that a formidable team is selected to represent and the country the international competition to be hosted in Budapest, Hungary scheduled for August 19^th-27^th, 2023,” she said.