Komen said many retired athletes are living in desolate conditions, adding that awarding of certificates and medals were not enough.
“My appeal is to ask the government through the Ministry of Sports to carry out an audit to establish their number and state so that they can be supported,” Komen said.
Komen was speaking during the burial of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics silver medallist Naftali Bon at his home in Kapng’etuny Village in Kapsabet town on Sunday.
Nandi county sports CEC Elly Kurgat asked the government to consider putting sportsmen and women on a monthly stipend.
“The surviving veterans who represented our country in the 60’s and 70’s before the introductions of cash awards really need help,” Kurgat said.
Kenya’s pioneer marathoner, Ibrahim Hussein, asked the Department of Immigration to re-establish the passport control offices in Eldoret to assist the athletes.
He appealed to the Immigration PS Rt. Gen. Gordon Khilahangwa to re-open the office to support only athletes, saying whenever they travel to Kisumu for the documents, they undergo difficulties.
Bon, who died at the age of 73, was among Kenya’s quartet of Charles Asati, Daniel Rudisha and Munyori Nyamau, who won a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the 1968 Olympics Games in Mexico.
In 1965, Bonn received Head of State commendation (military section) from the country’s first President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. He died at the Kapsabet County referral hospital after a short illness. Others in attendance included former athlete prof. Mike Boit, Chesumei MP Wilson Kogo and women’s representative Ziporah Kering.
Also attendance were veterans Sammy Kosgei and Bethuel Kimaiyo among others.
-By Barry Salil