Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to join the sports fraternity and to receive the Queen's Baton for the 19th Edition of the Delhi TWENTY TEN Commonwealth Games.

I note with appreciation that the Queen's Baton Relay is one of the great traditions of the Commonwealth Games. It symbolizes the gathering of people from across the Commonwealth Nations ahead of the sports and cultural festival held every four years.

In addition, the Queen's Baton Relays have been the curtain raiser since the Cardiff games in 1958. This has, indeed kept the commonwealth sprit alive.

I am informed that the Queen's Baton TWENTY TEN began its 340 days journey, at Buckingham Palace, London, on 29th October this year.

We in Kenya are happy to be the first country in Eastern African to receive the baton. The Relay will take the baton to the homes of over one third of the world's population. This will enable millions of people across the globe to join in celebrations ahead of the Games. The 19th Edition of the Relay is indeed the longest in the history of the Commonwealth Games since it will cover 71 countries.

More importantly, the Queen's Baton symbolizes the shared ideals of Commonwealth Nations. It provides a unique opportunity for us to share in the excitement of the Commonwealth Games. It also plays the important role of creating awareness on the Games among sports people and citizens of commonwealth member nations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Some of you may recall that Kenya first participated in the 1954 Vancouver, Canada Commonwealth Games. In that year we attained position four in both the three miles and 4×440 yards races. Since then, there has been increased participation in the Games with Kenyans winning many medals bringing glory to our beloved Nation.

In the last edition of the Melbourne, Australia, Commonwealth Games, our country scooped a total of 18 medals of which 6 were Gold, 5 Silver and 7 Bronze, finishing 9th overall. This was indeed a great achievement.

In the forthcoming Games my Government will set aside adequate resources for our team to train and participate in the competition. I, therefore, urge our sportsmen and women, coaches and other officials to start preparing early for us to send a strong medal winning team.

Finally Ladies and Gentlemen, I take this opportunity to sincerely thank the National Olympic Committee of Kenya for organizing this colourful reception of the baton in line with the spirit of the Commonwealth Games.
I urge all Kenyans to continue supporting sports which is a key ingredient in the unity of our Nation. I wish to thank the baton carrying team, and wish them an enjoyable stay in our beloved country.

I now wish you all happy holidays and a prosperous and sporting new year TWENTY TEN.

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL.