Nairobi — Kenyan athletes earned Sh960 million last year from various events worldwide, the National Olympic Committee has said.

Committee chairman and veteran athlete Kipchoge Keino said of the 156 marathon events held last year in various parts of the world, Kenyans won 126 of them.

He said the huge amount of money they brought home proved the importance of athletics in the economy and urged the government and private sector to fund athletes, especially the youngsters.

"Athletics, like tea and tourism, is becoming a major income earner in the country," Mr Keino said.

The legendary runner and ex-policeman proposed the establishment of modern athletics and other sports facilities in all the 47 counties.

The Nock chairman was speaking at the "Chai ni Afya Marathon" at Moi Gardens in Kericho where he was chief guest.

The race was sponsored by the Tea Board of Kenya in conjunction with tea producers in Kenya.

Mr Keino urged Kenyan companies to showcase their products at next year's Olympic Games in the United Kingdom by exhibiting their products at Kenya House in London.