Preparations for the burial of the late marathoner Kelvin Kiptum are well underway at his Naiberi farm in Uasin Gishu, as construction efforts race against time to complete a new house ahead of the scheduled funeral on February 24.
Kiptum, who tragically lost his life alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana on February 11, will find his final resting place on the four-acre farm chosen by his family.
A team of engineers, mobilized and supported by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and other national and county officials, has been diligently working since their arrival on Friday. Their mission: to deliver a three-bedroom house before the funeral day.
Utilizing the latest technology involving precast concrete and light gauge steel, the construction team is employing innovative methods to meet the tight deadline. From laying the foundation with rectangular hollow sections (RHS) to the strategic deployment of resources, every effort is being made to honor Kiptum’s memory with a fitting tribute.
“We would like to thank President William Ruto for the support to the athlete’s family,” Governor Bii expressed his gratitude to the press, acknowledging Ruto’s dispatch of government engineers to ensure timely completion of the project.
Contracted to handle the construction is Vaghjiyani Enterprises, which has also undertaken the task of erecting another house for Kiptum’s parents in Chepsamo village.
The endeavor to provide a decent home for Kiptum’s family reflects his aspirations, further fueled by President Ruto’s directive for the construction of the house following the tragic accident.
In addition to the housing project, efforts are being made to ensure essential amenities are in place. A team from the Kenya Power and Lighting Company visited the site on Friday to arrange for power supply, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the preparations.
Excavation work commenced with fervor, drawing attention from locals as men, women, and machinery collaborated in a unified effort to realize Kiptum’s dream.
“There are three engineers here who are being supervised by senior government officials,” noted family spokesperson Philip Kiplagat, speaking to the BBC, reflecting the seriousness and dedication with which the project is being executed.
