Athletics Kenya (AK) has introduced a new registration system for athletes, coaches, and support personnel to ensure that only those who meet specific requirements are allowed to participate in both local and international competitions. This initiative aims to streamline the management of athletes and address some of the critical issues facing the sport, including doping and age-cheating.
The registration process, which began in July of the previous year, is now nearing completion for athletes. Barnaba Korir, the Director of Youth Development at AK, emphasized that only those athletes who are registered in the federation’s database will be allowed to compete in any athletic events, both within the country and abroad. This step is part of a broader effort to implement a more robust system for tracking athletes, their training camps, and the support personnel involved in their development.
The next phase of the registration process will focus on coaches and support staff, who will also need to be registered in the system. This is aimed at ensuring that all individuals involved in an athlete’s development are properly documented and monitored. Following this, the registration will extend to the training camps where athletes are based. By gathering comprehensive data on athletes and their entourages, AK hopes to create a more transparent and accountable environment for athletics in Kenya.
One of the main objectives of this registration exercise is to combat doping in the sport. As part of the process, every athlete competing in Kenya will be required to undergo at least one anti-doping test before they can receive visa letters for international competitions. This measure is designed to ensure that athletes are not only physically prepared but also clean, adhering to international anti-doping regulations. By maintaining detailed records of athletes and their activities, AK believes it will be better positioned to track any potential issues related to doping and take appropriate action when necessary.
In addition to fighting doping, the registration system is also designed to address the ongoing issue of age-cheating, which has been a persistent problem in Kenyan athletics. By collecting accurate data on each athlete, including their date of birth and other personal information, AK aims to ensure that athletes are competing in the correct age categories. This will help maintain the integrity of competitions and prevent unfair advantages that may arise from falsified age records.
Korir stressed the importance of athletes, coaches, and support staff taking advantage of the registration opportunity before the deadline, which is fast approaching. He urged all involved in the sport to ensure that they are registered in the database, as those who fail to do so will be barred from participating in any athletic activities. This new policy aims to create a more organized and disciplined system for Kenyan athletics, one that can be trusted by both local and international stakeholders.
The data collected through the registration process will also allow AK to better monitor the training camps where athletes are based. This will enable the federation to ensure that the facilities meet the necessary standards and that athletes are receiving the proper training and support. By maintaining up-to-date records of each athlete’s progress, AK hopes to provide a more tailored approach to athlete development, addressing individual needs and helping to maximize their potential.
The nationwide registration exercise is expected to bring significant benefits to Kenyan athletics, both in terms of performance and integrity. By creating a more transparent system for tracking athletes and their support teams, AK aims to enhance the credibility of Kenyan athletics on the global stage. This initiative is seen as a crucial step in securing a clean slate for Kenya at the 2025 World Championships and beyond, ensuring that the country continues to produce world-class athletes while maintaining the highest standards of fairness and transparency.
Overall, the new registration system represents a major step forward for Athletics Kenya as it works to safeguard the future of the sport in the country. By tackling key issues like doping and age-cheating, and ensuring that athletes and their support teams are properly registered and monitored, AK is laying the groundwork for a more professional and accountable athletic environment. The successful implementation of this program will not only benefit Kenyan athletes but also help to enhance the reputation of the sport on the international stage.
