It was a reprieve when the World Aquatics lifted the ban on Kenya swimming following the elections held two weeks ago.
Today, the World Aquatics wrote to the Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK) Secretary General, Francis Mutuku over the lift.
The letter read: “We make reference to the above and notify you that communication from the World Aquatics executive committee has confirmed the lifting of the Kenya Swimming ban with immediate effect.”
He added: “We wish to thank you for your support and guidance in the process. Kenyan swimmers can now fly our flag proudly.”
The move is the culmination of a long winding process that has seen the swimming fraternity engage in wrangles since 2017 following the resignation of former chairman, Ben Ekumbo.
Kenya was then suspended from all swimming activities in 2019 and until elections were held early this month, the stakeholders including coaches, parents, and administrators were pulling in different directions.
World Aquatics then formed a Stabilisation Committee in June last year and appointed South Africa’s Jace Naidoo, Uganda’s Moses Mwose, and Mutuku to spearhead the elections process.
The elections, which were due to be held in July but were aborted at the 11th hour, and were held a fortnight ago at Moi Stadium, Kasarani with Maureen Owiti elected as the new president of Kenya Aquatics.