More than 15,000 athletics stakeholders have so far registered on the newly launched Athletics Kenya Riadha Connect, a digital platform designed to modernise the management of athletics and strengthen governance across Kenya.
The federation officially unveiled the landmark initiative today, saying the platform will streamline services, improve transparency and integrate athletes, coaches, managers, training camps and other support personnel into a single secure system.
Developed through a partnership between the Government, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), the platform seeks to enhance athlete management while reinforcing Kenya’s fight against doping.
Athletics Kenya Head of Anti-Doping Charlotte Kurgoy said the registration exercise has involved extensive visits to training camps across the country.
“So far, we have registered 13,857 athletes, 1,033 coaches, 255 training camps, as well as managers and various support personnel. The journey has not been easy, but we have managed to collect comprehensive data,” said Kurgoy.
Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei said the federation is embracing technology to strengthen integrity and service delivery.
“Through this integrated platform, we are bringing together athlete registration, Athlete Support Personnel management, competition administration, performance monitoring, training camp oversight, visa facilitation services and governance reporting into a single, secure and centralised system. For our athletes, this means faster, simpler and more efficient access to essential services without the burden of fragmented procedures or excessive paperwork,” said Tuwei.
He added that the digital hub will enhance governance by promoting transparency, accountability and secure management of relationships between athletes and their support personnel.
Athletics Integrity Unit Head of Testing Thomas Capdevielle praised Kenya’s move, saying the platform represents an important step in modernising athletics administration while strengthening anti-doping efforts and safeguarding the integrity of the sport.
Representing Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Sports Director Rose Wasike described the platform as the beginning of a new era in sports administration, replacing fragmented manual systems with a unified digital solution.
She noted that every athlete will now have a secure digital identity documenting their sporting journey, achievements and eligibility throughout their career.
“Sport is built on one priceless value—integrity. Without integrity, records lose meaning; without integrity, medals lose value; and without integrity, victory loses its honour,” she said.
Wasike added that the Athletes Hub will also serve as a strategic planning tool by providing comprehensive data to support athlete development pathways, improve transparency in team selection, enhance management efficiency and simplify visa facilitation for athletes travelling to international competitions.
Athletics Kenya Youth Development Director Barnaba Korir said the portal introduces transparency in athlete representation.
“An athlete registers a manager, who then confirms or declines the association. This eliminates disputes over athlete representation and coaching,” said Korir.
He added that athletes will also be able to apply online for visa clearance letters and access other Athletics Kenya services, eliminating the need to travel to Nairobi.
Speaking on behalf of athletes, double Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge stressed that integrity remains the cornerstone of sporting success.
“An athlete runs for two reasons: to compete and to earn trust. Records are important, but credibility comes from competing clean. Integrity is what builds lasting trust,” said Kipchoge.
He acknowledged the challenges Kenya has faced over doping but said stronger collaboration between the government and athletics stakeholders has enhanced efforts to protect the country’s reputation.
Former world 800m champion Janet Jepkosgei welcomed the platform, saying it will improve athlete development by enabling coaches and managers to monitor emerging talent more effectively.
Three-time Olympic steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi said the digital system will reduce unnecessary travel for athletes.
“We used to travel to Nairobi to obtain the necessary documents and clearances, but these systems will help us spend more time training rather than travelling,” he said.
Coach John Ewoi added that access to participation statistics across different events will help coaches identify talent gaps and make better-informed training decisions.