Yego, Chemos among university graduates today

Former world champions in athletics, Julius Yego and Milcah Chemos, were among Kenya’s sportsmen and women who graduated Friday from various learning institutions.

Also to graduate were former athletes- Lydia Chepkirui, Patrick Ivuti and Cornelius Rotich-  footballer Evans Chief and volleyballer Maurine Wekesa.

The 32-year-old Yego, who made history as the first Kenyan to win a World javelin title during the 2015 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Public Policy and Administration from Kenyatta University.

It has taken Yego, who is the reigning Africa and Africa Games javelin champion, four years to graduate. “It’s been four years of resilience, determination and hardwork,” said Yego, the 2016 Rio Olympics javelin silver medallist.

Yego advised fellow athletes that education is a lifetime investment that can’t be taken away after acquiring it.  “Education also opens up one’s mind in the dynamic world and as athletes, we need to look beyond our sport career as education enriches one to cope with everyday challenges,” said Yego, adding that sports should only come in as a supplement.

Chemos, the first Kenyan woman to win a world 3,000m steeplechase title, a feat she achieved at 2013 Moscow World Athletics Championships in Moscow, graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Sports Management from Moi University.

Chemos, 35, who is the 2010 Commonwealth Games 3,000m steeplechase champion is the current athletes’ representatives at Athletics Kenya Executive Committee.

“It’s such a good feeling to finally get a degree. I want to encourage athletes to value education as much as athletics. They should work hard and never lose hope in life,” said Chemos, adding that female athletes can juggle between being a mother and athlete as well as attend school.

Chepkirui earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Sports Science from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST).

It’s Chepkirui, who lost to history-making Chemos to settle for silver at the 2013 Moscow World Athletics Championships.

Also to graduate from MMUST with Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Sports Science were Ivuti, the 2007 Chicago Marathon champion and Rotich, who specialises in throws.

Ivuti, 43, is also the winner of the 2008 and 2009 Honolulu Marathon.

Chief, a former Kibera Black Stars defender and currently youth football coach at Ligi Ndogo Academy,   graduated from the University of Nairobi with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Psychology.

Chief, a right back, known for his busting runs and teasing crosses, also has a penchant for books. He is looking forward to resume active football when the transfer window opens in January.

Wekesa, who turns out for Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Volleyball Club in the Kenya Volleyball Federation National League, graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education (History/Religion) from Kenyatta University.

An opposite attacker whose stinging attacks have made her a regular at DCI, Wekesa is also a razor-sharp student in class. 

“This is good for sports in Kenya since educated athletes will be key to transformation and good administration in their respective sports federations,” said Athletics Kenya director for youth and development, Barnaba Korir. “They should use sports as a means to an end and not end itself and that is why education is key.”