KHU chief Randiek decries financial constraints as teams prepare for African Championships

Kenya Hockey Union President Nahashon Randiek is raising the alarm over the financial shortfall as the national men’s and women’s teams prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, set to take place in Ismailia, Egypt, from October 11 to 18, 2025.

Randiek says the players have been training under difficult circumstances with minimal financial support from both the government and the union.

“This team has sacrificed from the minimal financial support they have got from the union. They have taken care of themselves because the government has yet to respond to us,” he lamented.

He also revealed that the preparations have faced challenges due to limited resources. The training grounds remain closed because it is worn out, forcing the teams to hire and share facilities at Sikh Union Club for their sessions.

 “The preparations have had challenges because of limited resources, and we had to occasionally hire the Sikh Union Stadium to train,” he added.

He further explained that while government support is expected, it often comes too late, leaving the union to bear most of the preparatory costs.

“We are not complaining, but the reality is that most of the assistance from the government comes at the tail end. We have had to cover a lot on our own,” he noted.

Randiek outlined two proposals aimed at easing the financial burden. The first, submitted to then Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, fell through due to timing constraints. However, a second proposal, liaised by the President of the Africa Hockey Federation, is currently under review by the Ministry of Sports, and Randiek remains hopeful it will be considered.

He added that the team’s departure dates will be confirmed and determined once funds are disbursed, though he is confident they will leave between October 8 and 9.

Despite the challenges, Randiek expressed optimism, assuring fans that the national teams will rise to the occasion just as the U21 squad did in Namibia earlier this year.

“Although the preparations have been tough, I can assure you they will do their best, just the way the U21s did.” He remarked.