As the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) wrapped up its sitting in Kampala, Uganda on Thursday, members moved a Motion for Resolution to support the East African Athletes from Kenya at the on-going World Athletics Championships in Beijing.

This came after a number of medals were won by several Kenya athletes participating at the games, where they have amassed a total of 11 medals, 6 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze.

"Our East Africans of Kenyan origin need to be commended for their exemplary performance to uplift the name of Kenya in particular and the EAC region in general in World Athletics Championship,” said MP Martin Ngoga (Rwanda).

Ngoga said it was necessary for the EAC to collectively take pride when one of its own (Partner States) excels.  "Each medal Kenyans win is out of their sweat. We need to recognize the prowess and mention that they are inspiring the young persons,” he added.

The Resolution further urges the EAC Council of Ministers to implore Partner States to provide more funding and establish state of art facilities which if done, will enable EAC athletes to enhance their skills and dominance at the world stage.

EALA also resolves that EAC Partner States should protect sports personalities especially the females who are prone to different forms of abuse.

During debate, MP Dr. James Ndahiro (Rwanda) termed the Resolution timely and that it was further in line with the enactment of the Culture and Creative Industries Bill, 2015 passed by the Assembly at the Sitting.  MP Leonce Ndarubagiye (Burundi) said the athletes were the pride of Africa.

MP Mike Sebalu (Uganda) said it was time for the EAC to associate with the celebrities and icons of the region and in that way create awareness.

MP Sarah Bonaya (Kenya) said other EAC Partner States could learn from the successes of Kenya which "invested heavily” in athletics and sports.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw