Gov't moves to pay Malkia Strikers players' allowances after outcry
Malkia Strikers celebrating a point against Brazil during Pool 'B' opener at South Paris Arena on Monday, July 29 2024. Brazil won 3-0 sets. Photo courtesy of NOC-K
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The Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Deputy President Paul Bitok Friday confirmed the Ministry of Sports had paid allowances to the players of the national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, after days of uncertainty and public appeal.
The development comes a few hours before the team takes on Germany in their opening match at the FIVB World Championships in Phuket, Thailand, scheduled for 1 pm EAT on Saturday.
Earlier on Friday, Malkia Strikers caused an uproar online after releasing a viral video appealing directly to President William Ruto to intervene over unpaid allowances.
The players claimed they had not received any payments since entering residential camp at Nyayo Stadium, sparking public debate and comparisons with Harambee Stars, who recently received hefty incentives during their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign.
Speaking exclusively to Citizen Digital, Bitok confirmed that the situation has been resolved.
“I am pleased to inform you that we received sponsorship from the Ministry yesterday afternoon. All pending payments accrued during training, as well as for the international friendlies in Vietnam and Thailand, will be fully settled,” he said.
He added that the Ministry was finalizing the disbursement process to individual accounts.
“This morning, I was at the Ministry to follow up on players’ allowances. The process is at its final stage, and the allowances will be deposited into each player’s account soon.
There is no cause for concern—we are sorry for the delay, but all will be sorted,” he assured.
The former Malkia Strikers head coach further revealed that the Sports Fund had already deposited allowances, and additional funds were credited to KVF accounts to cover pending and ongoing expenses.
He also confirmed his plans to remain behind briefly to finalize logistical arrangements before traveling to Thailand to join the squad.
“I kindly request all players and technical staff to stay focused on tomorrow's match, as all financial matters will be resolved. I will travel tonight after ensuring everything is in order,” Bitok emphasized.
The confirmation offers a major relief to the ten-time African champions, who will now shift their attention fully to Germany as they seek to make a strong start on the global stage.
The Kenyan lasses are in group G alongside former European champions Poland, Germany and Vietnam.
Cameroon, other African representatives, are in Pool ‘H’ that has reigning champions Serbia, former Olympics champions Japan, and Ukraine.
Hosts are in Pool ‘A’ that also has Egypt, who are returning to the global stage after a long hiatus, the Netherlands and Sweden.
The championship will be held in Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket and Chiang Mai, with the top two sides in each pool qualifying for the round of 16 stage.
Starting in the Round of 16, the single-elimination phases will all be held in Bangkok.
Pool A: Thailand, Netherlands, Sweden, Egypt in Bangkok
Pool B: Italy, Belgium, Cuba, Slovakia in Phuket
Pool C: Brazil, Puerto Rico, France, Greece in Chiang Mai
Pool D: USA, Czechia, Argentina, Slovenia in Nakhon Ratchasima
Pool E: Türkiye, Canada, Bulgaria, Spain in Nakhon Ratchasima
Pool F: China, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Mexico in Chiang Mai
Pool G: Poland, Germany, Kenya, Vietnam in Phuket
Pool H: Japan, Serbia, Ukraine, Cameroon in Bangkok
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