The second day of the Athletics Kenya (AK) constitutional review held at the Eldoret Sports Club on Tuesday was dominated by calls to confront the country’s doping menace and reform the federation’s leadership structure.
Athletes, coaches, and officials from Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Baringo, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties turned up in large numbers to give their input on how to strengthen athletics governance in Kenya.
Former world 800m champion Janet Jepkosgei lauded Athletics Kenya for initiating the constitutional review, terming it a timely opportunity to address key challenges facing the sport.
“This is a very important and timely exercise. I thank Athletics Kenya for giving us this platform to shape the future of athletics. I’ve proposed that the vice president’s position be reserved for a woman and that athletes’ representatives be elected, not handpicked,” Jepkosgei said.
She stressed that gender balance and fair representation were crucial for restoring trust and inclusivity within the federation.
Former Boston Marathon winner Moses Tanui echoed the sentiment, calling for elections to be held simultaneously across all levels and for national team coaches to be selected by panels of qualified, reputable trainers.
Team Kenya captain at the 2021 World Athletics Championships, Julius Yego, proposed that athlete representatives be included in AK’s Executive Committee and be allowed to hold decision-making powers.
The doping scourge, however, dominated discussions, with participants warning that the credibility of Kenyan athletics remains under threat. In Kapenguria, where the first forum was held, former world steeplechase champion Christopher Koskei called for tougher penalties proposing an eight-year ban for athletes, coaches, and team managers found guilty of doping.
“The punishment must be extended beyond athletes. Coaches and managers who facilitate doping must also face similar bans,” Koskei insisted.
Meanwhile, in Garissa, where the nationwide public participation forums kicked off, stakeholders from the North Eastern region raised concerns about poor sports infrastructure and lack of inclusivity in athletics development.
Local coach Abdi Rahman cautioned against shifting elections from regional to county levels, warning it could lead to unequal representation. “The regional structure has ensured fairness. Moving to county elections might create discrimination and overrepresentation in some areas,” he noted.
Another participant, Osman, urged Athletics Kenya to ensure full inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in leadership and talent development. “No athlete should be left behind because of physical challenges,” he said.
Sports Registrar Rose Wasike encouraged participants to be vocal in their contributions, noting that public input is vital for building a transparent and accountable federation.
“Public participation is not a formality it’s your right as stakeholders to shape the future of athletics in Kenya,” Wasike emphasized.
Athletics Kenya Vice Treasurer Dilly Kisalu echoed her remarks, saying that public feedback gathered from the forums would guide the final document to ensure it reflects the voices of all stakeholders.
The nationwide consultations, conducted under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, are expected to conclude on November 14, 2025. The revised Athletics Kenya constitution will be aligned with the Sports Act, 2013, to promote accountability, fairness, and integrity in Kenya’s most celebrated sport.
 constitutional review held at the Eldoret Sports Club on Tuesday was dominated by calls to confront the country’s doping menace and reform the federation’s leadership structure.){kind=link}