𝐋𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐠𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐦𝐚 𝐄𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has officially launched the Chemoge High Altitude Training Centre in Mt. Elgon, marking what leaders described as a historic milestone in Kenya’s sports development sector.

The launch, which was highlighted by a colourful half marathon organized by the Bungoma County Government and Atheletics kenya, attracted athletes, sports stakeholders, local leaders and residents from across the region.

Speaking during the event, Governor Lusaka termed the facility “the first ever public high altitude training centre in Kenya,” saying the project would position Bungoma as a leading destination for athletics training and sports tourism.

“Today is not just another development milestone. Today, we make history,” Lusaka said as he officially opened Phase One of the modern athletics facility.

The Governor noted that the idea for the centre was conceived during his first term in office after identifying Mt. Elgon’s unique high-altitude environment as a potential hub for nurturing athletic talent.

“This dream began during my first term as Governor. I firmly believed that Mt. Elgon possessed unique natural potential capable of transforming sports, tourism and economic development in our county and our nation,” he said.

Lusaka revealed that the centre will feature a Hall of Fame to honour both past and upcoming athletes from the region who have excelled in athletics and raised Kenya’s profile internationally.

He further disclosed that the county government will pursue partnerships with sports organizations and development partners to help nurture local talent and upgrade the facility into a world-class training destination.

“For many years, Kenya has produced world-class athletes who train in high altitude regions, yet we lacked a fully established public high altitude training facility of this nature. Today, we begin changing that story,” the Governor stated.

Lusaka said the project goes beyond sports and is expected to create employment opportunities, stimulate tourism, support local businesses and economically empower youth in Mt. Elgon and neighbouring regions.

“This project is bigger than sports alone. It will create opportunities for our youth, stimulate tourism and local business, create employment and put Mt. Elgon and Bungoma on the global map,” he said.

The Governor also paid tribute to the late Olympic legend Ben Jipcho, whose task force played a key role in benchmarking and laying the groundwork for the establishment of the centre.

“To the late Ben Jipcho, history will remember you. Your contribution to sports development and your belief in this vision will remain part of the legacy of this great centre,” Lusaka said.

He challenged young people in the region to embrace discipline and hard work, describing the centre as “a symbol of hope” for future generations.

“Greatness does not only come from cities and privilege. Greatness can rise from the hills of Mt. Elgon,” Lusaka told the youth.