In response to the increasing cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya, Athletics Kenya (AK) and the wider sports community have united to send a strong message of action and solidarity. On November 8, hundreds of residents in Kericho, including athletes and local leaders, participated in a significant protest against GBV, marking a collective effort to address the concerning rise of violence in both sports and society at large.
The rally, led by Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei, Kericho County Women Representative Hon Beatrice Kemei, and National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) CEO Roy Sasaka, saw participants march through the streets of Kericho, starting from the County Assembly and ending at Moi Gardens. The march served as a unified call to end GBV, with the slogan “Enough is enough” reverberating through the crowd. The march was not only a demonstration of solidarity but also a call to action to ensure the protection of athletes and the general public from abuse.
Kericho, a region known for producing some of Kenya’s most successful athletes, was an especially fitting location for the rally. The town is the birthplace of Wilson Kiprugut Chumo, Kenya’s first Olympic medalist, and has long been associated with excellence in athletics. Tuwei emphasized the importance of addressing GBV in a region that has contributed so much to Kenya’s sporting legacy. He stated that despite Kericho’s historical significance in athletics, the community must now turn its focus to fighting the rising tide of violence, particularly in sports. The message was clear: no amount of athletic success should overshadow the need for safety and respect for athletes, regardless of their gender.
The rally is part of a broader initiative by Athletics Kenya to combat GBV and provide support for athletes. As part of this campaign, Athletics Kenya, in partnership with NGAAF and Equity Bank, recently launched a toll-free GBV hotline (1195) in Nairobi. The hotline aims to provide athletes with a crucial lifeline in times of danger, offering access to immediate help, resources, and counseling. This initiative is a key part of the effort to ensure that athletes, especially women, can participate in their sport without fear of violence or exploitation.
The fight against GBV within the sporting community is not limited to this march or the hotline. Athletics Kenya and its partners are also focusing on a range of measures designed to prevent and address abuse. One key proposal is to blacklist training camps that are found to be complicit in fostering environments where GBV is tolerated or ignored. By taking strong actions against such camps, the sports community aims to set a precedent that abuse will not be tolerated and that training environments must prioritize the safety of all athletes.
In addition to taking action within the sports sector, there are efforts to sensitize community leaders and parents about the prevalence of GBV and its impact on athletes. This awareness campaign seeks to engage various groups within society, from local leaders to religious organizations, to educate people on how they can help prevent GBV and support victims. The importance of a collective approach is emphasized, with the understanding that GBV cannot be tackled in isolation but must involve the entire community.
Another aspect of the initiative is the involvement of reformed perpetrators who are being engaged to help educate others about the consequences of GBV. By involving individuals who have previously been involved in abusive behavior, the campaign seeks to encourage repentance and transformation. These individuals can share their experiences to show others the dangers of abusive behavior and the importance of respect and responsibility.
As the campaign moves to other parts of Kenya, such as Iten, further events and engagements with athletes are planned. The goal is to continue spreading the message of zero tolerance for GBV and to create a safer environment for all athletes, particularly those who may be more vulnerable due to their gender. This ongoing effort is a clear indication of Kenya’s commitment to making its sporting community safer and more inclusive.
In addition to these efforts, notable athletes, such as Lucy Kabuu, have used their personal experiences to advise others on how to navigate relationships in a way that avoids the mistakes they themselves have made. Kabuu has been vocal about the challenges she faced in a public dispute over property worth Ksh70 million. Her advice to fellow female athletes centers on the importance of maintaining independence and avoiding the pitfalls that can come with complicated personal relationships.
The combined efforts of Athletics Kenya, government officials, and the wider community reflect a growing recognition of the need to protect athletes and raise awareness about the harmful effects of GBV. Through these initiatives, Kenya is taking meaningful steps toward ensuring that its athletes, particularly women, are not only celebrated for their achievements but also supported in environments that foster safety, respect, and equality. The continued collaboration between various sectors, from sports to government to civil society, is vital in the ongoing fight against gender-based violence.
