Mercy Chepngeno, a 15-year-old student at Lesirwo Secondary School in Kericho County, received government recognition on Friday, March 29, after an outstanding performance at the Rift Valley Secondary School Sports Association games.
The Form One student was acknowledged for her remarkable achievement in running the 3000 metres steeplechase barefooted at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Nandi County.
In response to her incredible performance, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba visited Lesirwo Secondary School to extend congratulations and support to Mercy, her family, the community, and the school.
The CS pledged to cover the full school fees for all four students who emerged as top performers in the competitions. Furthermore, the ministry offered full athletics kits to the students.
“In the spirit of our Talanta Hela flagship, we continue to cover every blade of grass, and every grain of sand in identifying nurturing and monetising talents across all sports,” noted the CS.
CS Ababu also ordered the construction of 3 training camps which he said would be dedicated to 3000m steeplechase training to regain Kenya's traditional dominance in the competition.
“It is instructive to note that Lesirwo also provided the foundation for Kenya's current hottest 3000m steeplechase female prospect, Faith Cherotich who, aged just 19, won bronze at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary last summer,” noted the CS.
In an analogous situation on January 10, Milka Menjo, a mother of one who hails from Nandi, caught the attention of many Kenyans after participating in a 12-kilometre marathon while half-dressed, instead of the usual athlete's kits.
The middle-aged athlete was part of a group of dedicated athletes who participated in the race held at Barng'etuny Mountain.
After her image went viral, Tinderet MP Julius Biwot asked to meet her and gifted Menjo a full running kit, promising to build her a house.
"We finally located Mrs Milka Menjo, a mother of one child aged 1 year from Cherondo village Soba Songhor Ward," the lawmaker remarked.
“Today I invited her and her husband, Josphat, to my home where I congratulated her for passionately participating in the 12kms Senior women's race despite all the challenges,” Biwot added.
Following the couple's visit to the MP's home, the legislator surprised the lovers with rewards, including the construction of a 3-bedroom house for the couple.
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