Nandi Governor Urges Clean Sport and Drug-Free Living at Kapsabet Half Marathon

By Shakland Masese 

Governor Stephen Sang has called on young athletes to embrace clean sport and avoid drug and substance abuse, warning that the future of Kenya’s athletics depends on discipline both on and off the track.

Speaking during the third edition of the Kapsabet Half Marathon in Kapsabet, Sang challenged the youth to stay focused and protect their careers by shunning alcohol and drugs. He emphasized that talent alone is not enough without integrity, especially at a time when doping concerns continue to threaten Kenya’s global athletics reputation.

The governor also revealed plans to expand the annual race into a full marathon, positioning Kapsabet as a major athletics hub. The region, located in the athletics rich Nandi County, has produced some of the country’s top long-distance runners and continues to play a key role in nurturing emerging talent.

Sang took time to appreciate partners and sponsors who supported the event, including ICEA Lion Group, KCB Bank Group, and CITAM Church Kapsabet. He gave special recognition to CITAM for its role in transforming lives within the community, noting that the church contributes not only spiritually but also through youth mentorship and development programs.

In a move to strengthen youth empowerment, Sang pledged the county government’s continued support for initiatives led by the church, particularly those aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent. He highlighted collaboration with regional church leadership, including overseer Geoffrey Ongonda, to help connect promising athletes with scouting opportunities and international exposure.

The governor further pointed to the county’s “run clean, run green” initiative, which aligns with President William Ruto’s national campaign to plant 15 billion trees over ten years. The initiative combines environmental conservation with efforts to safeguard the integrity of athletics, particularly in the fight against doping.

This year’s marathon theme, “No Alcohol, No Drugs, Therefore No Limits,” reflects growing concern over substance abuse among young people in Kenya. Sang noted that drug abuse remains one of the biggest challenges facing the youth today, echoing national concerns that the country risks losing a generation to addiction if urgent action is not taken.

He reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to tackling the issue through community partnerships and continuous engagement, while congratulating all participants in the marathon both winners and non-winners for their effort and discipline.

As Kapsabet continues to rise as a centre for athletics excellence, Sang’s message underscored a broader goal: building a generation of athletes who not only win races but also uphold the values that have long defined Kenya’s dominance on the global stage.