World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has commended Kenya’s commitment to tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, particularly within the athletics community. On a recent visit to Kenya, Coe met with national leaders, including President William Ruto and Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, to discuss progress in addressing these critical issues.
The alarming increase in femicide cases, with over 100 reported incidents between August and October 2024, has driven the Kenyan government and Athletics Kenya to take decisive action. The tragic deaths of athletes such as former world record-holder Agnes Tirop and world mountain running champion Rebecca Cheptegei underscored the urgent need for intervention. In response, the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), in collaboration with Athletics Kenya, conducted a pilot study to assess the prevalence of GBV in athletics and propose actionable solutions.
The findings of the study were compiled into a report titled RESET – END GBV & Femicide Athletes Sectorial Engagement, which was launched by Kenya’s Ministry of Gender in partnership with Athletics Kenya and NGAAF. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasized the report’s significance in addressing GBV and femicide, noting that it provides crucial insights into the challenges athletes face and offers recommendations for meaningful change.
Key findings from the report highlighted several pressing issues, including financial exploitation of athletes by spouses, coaches, and managers; sexual and emotional exploitation by influential figures in athletics; a lack of awareness about GBV and financial abuse; and the vulnerability of young female athletes in training camps. The report also raised concerns about inadequate safety measures at training facilities.
To address these issues, strategic recommendations were proposed, including increased investment in anti-GBV initiatives, financial literacy training for athletes, stronger reporting mechanisms, and enhanced security at training camps.
World Athletics has pledged to support Kenya in implementing these recommendations. Coe reaffirmed the commitment of World Athletics to prioritizing GBV prevention, stating, “We have a responsibility that goes far beyond the field of play.”
Kenya’s proactive approach and collaboration with international bodies signal a strong commitment to fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for athletes.
