• Kenya’s sporting community has been plunged into mourning three times in the past five days following the deaths of three athletes across the country.
• Kipyegon Bett and Clement Kemboi died within hours of each other, with circumstances leading up to their deaths reigniting debate over athlete welfare
• Former world champion Julius Yego and Athletics Kenya Head of Youth Development Barnaba Korir spoke to TUKO.co.ke about the problems and possible solutions.

It’s almost as if every piece of news coming out of the Kenyan sporting scene over the past five days has been heartbreaking.

It all started with the brutal attack on Samson Kandie in Eldoret on October 4. The former marathon runner succumbed to his injuries after being attacked by armed thugs.

Two days later, the country learned of the death of Kipyegon Bett in Bomet. The former U20 world champion and world bronze medalist died following a battle with illness.

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And just 24 hours later, the body of 2015 African Games champion, Clément Kemboi, was found hanging from a tree in Iten, suspected of having committed suicide.

Although the nature of each of the three deaths is different, the question on every athletics fan’s mind is: “What’s going on?” »

Athlete welfare in Kenya

Athlete welfare remains a very sensitive topic among current and former stars. It’s often the case that news headlines are full of stories about how a yesteryear star is unable to make ends meet after retirement.

Julius Yego: No plan in place in case of injury

Julius Yego, 2015 javelin world champion, tells TUKO.co.ke how athlete welfare is almost non-existent in the country.

“There have been proposals for a retirement fund, but we are still waiting for something concrete.”

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The Rio 2016 silver medalist is also pained by the way athletes are often left to fend for themselves when injured while representing the country.

“We do not have a framework for dealing with injuries to our athletes. It is very worrying that no one cares about an athlete if they are injured in the performance of their national duties. We are on our own. I think this is an initiative that must come from the government through our federation.

Athletics Kenya Nairobi chapter manager and youth development chair Barnaba Korir agrees that athletes’ welfare is a serious issue and the government is taking necessary measures.

“We have an insurance system that was launched last year by the government. We are in the process of registering athletes to see how they can benefit from it, especially medically.”

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Before his death, Bett reportedly led a difficult life after being banned for violating anti-doping rules. By his family’s admission, Bett fell into depression and turned to drinking.

“I think one of the main areas that has been overlooked in the athlete business is what happens to athletes who have been banned,” said Stephen Rutto, a journalist. TUKO.co.ke.

“Is there anyone providing them with psychosocial support? We simply condemn these athletes and remove them. We need to find a comprehensive solution that gets to the root of the problem and prepares them for life after prohibition.”

Problem of femicide in sport

The other bitter problem in Kenya’s social structure – and not just in sports – is the rising cases of gender-based violence in the country. A report from the Media Council of Kenya indicates that 504 women lost their lives to cases of femicide between 2019 and 2024.

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Agnes Tirop, Damaris Muthee and the recent inhumane burning of Rebecca Cheptegei are painful reminders that this is a problem that requires urgent attention.

The Catherine Ndereba report

The government has formed a sports committee on gender protection and equity, chaired by famous runner Catherine Ndereba, to study how to address the issue.

The report was submitted in early 2022, but little was said about the implementation of the recommendations suggested in it.

“The federation embarked on a fact-finding mission but we were never told how and if the recommendations of the Catherine Ndereba report were being implemented. Ndereba challenged the athletes to come out and talk about the issues that are affecting them. concern,” Rutto explains.

How to deal with femicide in sport

Korir opens up about the challenges the federation faces in the face of gender-based violence.

“Most of the time, these issues arise from family issues and it is almost impossible to intervene. We can easily tell you that this is a family issue that does not concern us as a federation. However, we always try to stay close and in case of violence, we inform the authorities.

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Athlete well-being requires everyone’s participation

Korir is quick to note, however, that athlete well-being requires a multi-dimensional approach and should not be left to the federation to propose solutions. He wants other institutions and the society the athlete comes from to play an active role in mentoring and talking to them.

“Yes, AK can spearhead, but we cannot do it alone; we have athletes who have been employed by the police, prisons, KDF and other institutions. We need these institutions are also at the forefront of promoting better welfare for the athletes population.

Education as a tool to address athletes’ concerns

The federation has gone back to basics by returning to primary and secondary schools, where it works with teachers to pass on best practices to athletes during their formative years.

“We have held seminars with athletes on a variety of topics. We have even gone to villages for more educational programs, but our current concern is that with the advent of social media, it is almost impossible to control with what athletes interact with.

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“Education remains our best bet to win. Athletes need to understand that money comes when you are in the spotlight and that what you do when you are in the spotlight is very important. Even on issues like doping, an athlete who has been equipped with the necessary information cannot be misled to seek a shortcut.

This is a conversation that won’t end anytime soon, but one that all stakeholders agree needs to be taken seriously. From the athletes themselves to the federation to the fourth estate, the well-being of athletes is not something that can simply be swept under the rug.

“We pray and hope that this will become a reality as soon as possible,” says Yego.

Source: TUKO.co.ke