The second edition of Teso North Cross-Country to be held at Chelemuk Comprehensive School on November 22 will attract about 5,000 participants drawn from across the county.

The sponsor of the event Assistant County Commissioner Charles Cheseto revealed on Wednesday during a media briefing at Hotel Levantes in Amagoro that the pre-trial Chepsaita marathon will be unique this year.

Mr Cheseto noted that the Personal Aide to President Dr William Ruto , Farouk Kibet’ will sponsor the Teso Norh edition with a cash award of Ksh1million.

He added that the event, whose theme is ” Run for an end to Gender-based Violence will see top 100 runners benefiting from scholarships of Ksh10,000 per recipient.

Cheseto said 16 countries from Africa will participate in the Chepsaita Marathon in Uasin Gishu.

” I want to put the record straight that Teso North Cross- Country has no political affiliation but to end Gender-based violence,” he said.

Mr. Cheseto said this year’s theme on GBV is critical in ending the vice, which is on the increase in Busia County, thus the need for concerted efforts to tame it.

He singled out Bernard Okomol, who landed full scholarship at Chepsaita High School for taking position one at the sub county, position one at the county level, and position 46 at Chepsaita marathon In 2024.

In the Chepsaita marathon last year, the winner in the men’s elite race, Samwel Chebolei Masai from Kenya, received Ksh300,000. Runners-up were awarded Ksh250,000 with third-placed taking home Ksh150,000.

Loice Chekwemoi from Uganda, who won the 10km race in 34:32 minutes, received Ksh300,000. The second and third finishers received Ksh250,000 and Ksh150,000, respectively.

In addition to over Ksh20 million in cash prizes for the winners, scholarships will be awarded to needy children in the Chepsaita Community, covering more than Ksh20m in school fees.

Executive Director Dhamira Moja Foundation Sarah Martha said the organization is leading the fight against the eradication of GBV in the county.

“We are organizing 16 days of activism in the fight against GBV starting November 22, adding that it’s not only GBV but talent promotion to help the youth fend for their livelihoods,” she said.

Martha gave startling statistics that in June this year, there were 26 reported cases of GBV, 16 in July and 13 in August, noting that there are many of GBV cases not reported.

FIDS Executive Director Roseline Wandaki said drug abuse, suicide and depression have increased to a working level in the county.

Teso North Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Kitai thanked the sponsor and stakeholders for noble idea of incorporating GBV in the marathon, calling for non-politicization of the Teso North Cross Country.

NACADA county coordinator Zeka Wekesa said they will use this forum to advise the youth instead of allowing them into alcohol and substance abuse. We shall support the cross country by sponsoring a roadshow in December in Teso North and Teso South.

Sports, Culture, Gender and Tourism CECM Olunga Paul Ekwe said sexual and Gender Based violence are extremely rampant in Busia with men or women contributing to this sad scenario.

Olunga regretted that the implementation of the GBV is slow. ” With Dhamira Moja intervention, it will be a notch higher. Let’s be serious. Please don’t solve GBV cases at home. Feminine and andricide are real and with us.”

Athletics Kenya Teso North chairman Oroni Josephat said the challenges they are facing are not only marathon but other disciplines like field.and track events in terms of transport for athletes.

” We make them meet their livelihoods. They need support from the government and other sponsors,” he said, and no doubt we shall have many Ferdinand Omanyalas in Teso North.

He added:” In Western Kenya, Busia County has the best athletes in short races. We need to introduce sprints in Teso North to emulate the Amkes. We don’t take teams beyond regional level. The patron and the county government should support coaching courses.”

Oroni was accompanied by the county vice chairperson Ann Otiti, National Technical official Cornel Omanyala, Teso North vice chairman Abel Okiror. Others present included Farouk Kibet’s PA Isokat Bethwell.

Sponsors of the event include Kenya Red Cross, NACADA, Dhamira Moja Community Foundation, FIDS, Athletics Kenya, County, and National Governments.