AK unveils Riadha Connect platform to manage athletics activities

Speaking during the launch in Eldoret on Wednesday, Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jack Tuwei said the online platform is designed to manage all athletics activities and services.

Tuwei noted that AK will use the system for personnel management, competition administration, performance monitoring, training camp oversight, and other functions, thereby reducing paperwork.

He added that the hub will also strengthen governance by providing transparent digital management of the relationship between athletes and their support personnel.

“The system will enable AK to make timely evidenced based decisions using verified information and real time performance data replacing outdated manual systems,” said Tuwei

National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) Vice President Barnaba Korir said the app comes with responsibilities, urging athletes and stakeholders to be cautious and compliant.

On his part, AIU Head of Testing and Compliance Thomas Capdevielle said Riadha Connect strengthens the credibility of Kenyan athletics, calling it a global benchmark for integrity.

He noted that it interlocks the working relationship between ADAK, AK and AIU, creating a reliable "source of truth" in athlete management.

Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge said the platform will help rebuild trust in Kenyan athletics amid ongoing doping concerns.

“Our credibility is on line, by the end 0f 2025 Kenya made up of 140 out 643 names in the athletics integrity on eligibility list worldwide, the country remains a category A federation under world athletics,” noted Kipchoge.

Former world 800m champion Janeth Jepkosgei said the system will give coaches a stronger platform to protect athletes.

“No one will claim my athlete as from today. Yeah, I work with the young athletes and I believe we are going to register even the juniors.

“Please, don't forget the track. I know we are more on marathon, but we have a cry on the boy child on the track. We are missing. Please, let us not transfer everyone to the marathon. Before we transfer, we always have the system. We will check, 'This athlete has been running the 10,000 for how long? What is the improvement?”