Nairobi, Dec 20 (IANS): Kenya's Paul Tergat might have hung up his running gear, but he has stepped into new shoes as the head of his country's Olympic Committee, where more is required of him.

His first mission will be to guide Kenya to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia in less than five months, reports Xinhua news agency.

"It is about preparations and good planning. We must get our act right for us to succeed in this endeavour. Kenya must win more than 15 gold medals in track and field and there should never be any side shows," he said.

In the build-up to the Rio Olympics in 2016, the Kenya team had to do without training gear and team allowances, something Tergat said will be history.

"We have secured their gear from Nike and it will arrive early. I have been an athlete and know what it means to have somebody take care of your business," Tergat added.

Tergat enjoyed a prodigious career on the track, cross country and road, but one of his most memorable performances was a race in which he was beaten.