Athletics Kenya (AK) has intensified its efforts to streamline and regulate the athletics landscape by mandating that only registered athletes, coaches, and athlete assistants will be allowed to participate in local and international events. This bold move, spearheaded by AK Executive Member and Director of Youth Development Barnaba Korir, comes as part of the federation’s commitment to fostering transparency and integrity within the sport.
Speaking during the announcement, Korir highlighted that the registration program, launched in July 2024, is already nearing completion for athletes, with the next phases focusing on registering coaches and training camps. The initiative aims to create an accurate database of all stakeholders involved in athletics, including athletes, their support personnel, and the camps where they train.
“We are implementing a robust registration program for athletes, their support personnel, and training camps,” Korir said. “This system will enable us to monitor athletes, track the camps where they are training, and maintain comprehensive records of their activities.”
The move is also a strategic measure to address persistent challenges in Kenyan athletics, such as doping and age cheating, which have tarnished the country’s reputation in global competitions. Korir emphasized the importance of the system in strengthening anti-doping efforts, stating, “Every athlete competing in Kenya must undergo registration and at least one anti-doping test before receiving visa letters for international competitions.”
The initiative marks a pivotal shift in the governance of athletics, as it ensures that all participants are held accountable and meet the required standards of competition. By requiring registration, AK seeks to identify and monitor athletes and their support networks, ensuring transparency in their activities.
The registration program has been met with optimism by stakeholders, who view it as a step in the right direction for Kenyan athletics. Coaches, agents, and training camps will also undergo scrutiny to ensure compliance with the new guidelines, fostering a culture of integrity across the board.
Additionally, this system is expected to deter unscrupulous practices such as age manipulation, which has plagued youth athletics in the past. With accurate records and regular monitoring, AK aims to create a level playing field for all athletes.
This development underscores AK’s resolve to protect the integrity of athletics and safeguard the careers of Kenyan athletes, ensuring that only those who meet the standards of excellence and transparency represent the nation in both local and international competitions.
