Doping menace dominates AK constitutional review in Eldoret

The participants aired several concerns that they propose to be factored in the constitution review. Former world 800m champion Janet Jepkosgei said she was in support of the ongoing review, terming it as a timely exercise.

“This is a very important and timely exercise. I fully support it and thank Athletics Kenya for coming up with this idea. Today I had a few suggestions, which I have shared with the constitution review committee; one of my submissions is to have gender balance in the representation of Athletics Kenya leadership, we need to have the vice president’s position be reserved for a female,” Jepkosgei said.

He added: “Athletes representatives should also be elected and not handpicked and they should be from each of the gender. Athletics Kenya, under the guidance of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, in consultation with the stakeholders began the process of reviewing and amending its constitution pursuant to Section 46 of the Sports Act on November 3, 2025.

Former Boston Marathon winner Moses Tanui called for elections at all levels to be done on one day and proposed that national team coaches be selected by a team of renowned coaches.

Team Kenya captain at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Julius Yego proposed inclusion of athletes representatives in the Athletics Kenya Executive and be allowed to wield executive powers.

In Kapenguria, on the first day of the exercise on Monday, several proposals were raised to curb the issues of doping, age cheating and rogue coaches.

Christopher Koskei ‘Jogoo’ who won the steeplechase gold medal at the 1999 World Championships called for strong male and female representatives elected during the Athletics Kenya elections.

He also called for the reprimanding of coaches and team managers alongside athletes found guilty of doping and proposed an eight year ban instead of two-year ban.

The meeting in Kapenguria, brought together stakeholders from Turkana, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot and Samburu.

In Garissa also on Monday, stakeholders turned up in large numbers as the 12-day nationwide public participation forums to collect views on the proposed amendments to its constitution kicked-off.

The forum, which was held at Garissa Primary Hall, brought together participants from Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties of the North Eastern Region.

The residents expressed strong support for the constitutional review as they raised key concerns on issues affecting the region’s athletics development.

The participants called for improved sports infrastructure, including stadiums and training facilities, to nurture local talent.

Athletics coach, Abdi Rahman called for elections of representatives within Athletics Kenya (AK) to remain at the regional level rather than shifting to the county level, warning that such changes could create discrimination and overrepresentation in some areas.

“The regional structure has worked well in balancing representation. Moving elections to the county level may lead to inequalities,” Rahman said.

On his part, Osman, one of the participants urged Athletics Kenya to ensure inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in its structures and programs, noting that no athlete should be left behind because of physical challenges.

“We want to see equal opportunities for all athletes, including those with disabilities, so that every talent can shine regardless of background,” noted Osman.

During the session, Sports Registrar Rose Wasike encouraged residents to share their views openly, noting that their feedback is vital in shaping a more accountable and inclusive athletics federation.

She also explained key sections of the Sports Act, 2013, that guide sports governance and the need for transparency in management.

“Public participation is not just a formality, it’s your right as stakeholders to shape the future of athletics in Kenya,” Wasike said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Athletics Kenya Vice Treasurer, Dilly Kisalu who emphasized that residents’ participation will help streamline athletics governance.

“Public participation is key to this process. The feedback gathered here will ensure the new AK Constitution represents the views of all stakeholders,” Kisalu said.

The Garissa forum marked the start of the nationwide consultations being conducted under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, aimed at aligning AK’s operations with the Sports Act, 2013.

Similar forums will be held across the country, including Kapenguria, Eldoret, Kinoru, Kakamega, Nyeri, Kisumu, Machakos, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Nairobi, before the exercise concludes on November 14, 2025.

The review and amendment are intended to guide the operations and management of Athletics Kenya in line with the provisions of the Sports Act, 2013.

Additional reporting by Athletics Kenya.