Athletics
Athletics Kenya (AK) has completed a successful digital registration drive at Kirigiti Stadium, in Kiambu County as part of its ongoing effort to register all athletes and coaches ahead of the 2024/25 athletics season.
This initiative, which is part of a broader effort to streamline athlete management, aims to register all persons actively involved in athletics. Speaking to KNA, an Athletics Kenya official, who requested anonymity, highlighted the critical role of the registration process, stating that it represents a significant step in addressing issues like fraud and bolstering the country’s anti-doping efforts.
“The registration process is crucial in tackling persistent issues such as fraud and is a major step forward in strengthening our anti-doping efforts,” the official said. He further stated that athletes who fail to complete their registration by January 2025 would be ineligible to participate in competitions. “Any athlete who fails to register by January 2025 will not be allowed to compete or register races online,” the official stated.
The deadline for all active athletes to complete their registration is December 2024. Afterward, the system will only be open to new, upcoming athletes. Athletics Kenya’s new registration system, launched in July, is designed to secure data on all athletes, helping to prevent age manipulation and other forms of fraud.
Speaking during a previous registration event in Iten, AK’s Youth and Development Director, Barnaba Korir, pointed out that this digital system will protect athletes from exploitation by unscrupulous coaches or officials, a challenge that has plagued the sport for years.
On her part, Sharon Sudi, a 100 and 200-meter sprinter from Mount Kenya University and a member of Team Kenya, commended the initiative for its positive impact on athletes. “This is an important move by Athletics Kenya. It will help ensure fairness in competition and protect us athletes from exploitation,” said Sudi.
The registration exercise, held in collaboration with the government and the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), has already taken place in several counties, including Nyahururu, Chepsaita, Nyeri and Kerugoya. In Kiambu, athletes and coaches gathered at Kirigiti Stadium for the day-long event, which saw many register in a seamless process via AK’s online platform.
This digital registration is expected to boost Kenya’s preparedness for international competitions, including the upcoming 2024/25 World Athletics Championships, Kip Keino Classic, and the World Relays Championships. The registration drive is set to continue in Muranga, Embu, Meru and probably Mombasa, with AK targeting to cover the entire country by the end of September before shifting to a maintenance phase at its Nairobi and Eldoret offices.
Athletics Kenya hopes that this new system will usher in a more secure and transparent era for the country’s athletes as they prepare for both local and global competitions. According to AK, effective 1st January 2025 all Athletics Kenya services will be exclusively available to registered athletes and has therefore encouraged everyone to ensure they are registered as soon as possible to avoid any disruption in receiving crucial services.
The registration process will initially be at various registration centres at various dates and thereafter the process will be continuous at Athletics Kenya offices in Riadha House, Nairobi and at The Eldoret office at Daima Towers, 21st Floor.