The Kilifi County Dhow Racing saw a small number of participants turn out for the event which was held at Kilifi Old Fery Dock. This is after the tournaments sponsors withdrew their sponsorship.
The tournament which is usually held annually has since been sponsored by Safaricom organization with other non-governmental organizations.
Speaking to press shortly after the completion of the ceremony the tournament secretary Issa Shalo expressed disappointment on how the awarding of winners has been depreciating every year saying that such issues has discouraged participants hence the low turnout.
“We have to be host on this if you ward winners as if they do not exist or awarding them just for fun, it is not right, some of the awards are wanting, one has all the reason not to participate if things will not change,” he said.
He added that so far they have a strategy to seek new donors to see that these competitions are being held on better quality adding that their aim is to even see being also recognized country wide.
According to one of the tournament organizers Mr Mahamud Habal accused the county government of Kilifi of failing to recognize the event.
“Our Governor and other leaders in this county have really failed us, this event is just but one way to unite the community, despite the county being able to sponsor this tournament in one way or the other they have never stretched a helping hand to support us,” he stated.
However they called upon the same county leaders to intervene and support the events come next season to prevent youth who are the most participates from associating with illegal gang groups.