Athletics Kenya (AK) announced a partnership with their long-term arch-rivals, the Ethiopia Athletics Federation, to install air quality monitoring devices at the Ethiopia Youth Sports Academy in Addis Ababa.
AK President Jackson Tuwei led the Kenyan delegation attending the historic event on Sunday, January 15, 2023, in Ethiopia.
Speaking during the ceremony, Tuwei indicated that the devices would significantly enhance the lives of the athletes using the facility.
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“I’m proud that Athletics Kenya and Ethiopia Athletics Federation are collaborating on this key health agenda on clean air.
“Our elite athletes can now train in good conditions,” explained the former army commander.
AK thanked stakeholders including the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and other bodies for their support in the project.
"The air quality sensor will go a long way in ensuring that the long-term health interest of our athletes and the society, in general, is taken care of by all concerned parties.
"We thank our key partners and experts – UNEP and Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI),” read a statement from AK.
Letesenbet Gidey, the current holder of three world records (5,000m, 10,000m, and Half Marathon), was among the star Ethiopian athletes who graced the event.
In November last year, the government of Kenya also introduced air quality management sensors in Uasin Gishu and Nandi Counties.
The technologies were installed at the Eliud Kipchoge Training Centre in Kapsabet, and Lobo Village in Eldoret.