Nairobi — Athletics Kenya (AK) director of youth growth Barnaba Korir has bemoaned the growing distrust sure athletes have in direction of the federation.
Korir says this distrust has hampered the nice working relationship between the 2 entities.
“How are we purported to work collectively when there may be distrust between the athletes and the federation? We exist to serve you…with out you (athletes), there may be nothing we’re doing in that workplace. We have to kind out our belief points reasonably than demonising the federation on social media,” Korir mentioned.
The chair additional lamented the unfair criticism of AK by figures who don’t perceive the actions of the federation.
“You’ll find help in AK however a few of you, your minds have been poisoned to suppose there are cartels within the federation,” he mentioned.
Korir was talking throughout an engagement discussion board with athletes residing and coaching in Ngong.
The discussion board is a part of a week-long countrywide deliberations with athletes on their experiences with and ideas to curb gender based mostly violence (GBV) within the sport and monetary exploitation.
Korir famous that GBV in Kenyan athletics is changing into a problem of concern worldwide.
“We now have been in New York and had discussions with varied individuals who have expressed considerations over the growing instances of GBV. The world is Kenya to see how we’re going to resolve this concern,” he mentioned.
He expressed hope that the marketing campaign towards GBV will prolong to different sectors of the society.
“Athletics is the physique that Kenyans and the entire world hearken to. We hope that this marketing campaign can have ripple results in different elements of the society as a result of GBV impacts the society as a complete,” Korir mentioned.
The engagement discussion board, spearheaded by AK, Nationwide Authorities Affirmative Motion Fund (NGAAF) — supported by the Italian Authorities, and Fairness Financial institution, strikes to Kapsabet on Thursday.