Athletics Kenya has stepped up efforts to curb age cheating, issuing a firm warning to teachers, coaches, parents, and athletes against any involvement in the manipulation of athletes’ ages.
Speaking during the media launch of the 5th edition of the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour in Eldoret, Youth Development Director Barnaba Korir revealed that the federation is responding to concerns raised by World Athletics over suspected age falsification among some Under-20 competitors.
Korir noted that the global athletics body had formally communicated its concerns in recent months, prompting Athletics Kenya to begin investigations into the matter.
“We have received official communication from World Athletics indicating that some Under-20 athletes are under investigation for possible age manipulation, and this is an issue we are treating with utmost seriousness,” Korir said.
He warned that severe action would be taken against anyone found to have aided or facilitated the practice, including teachers, parents, and coaches, adding that clear directives have already been sent to schools and training institutions.
According to Korir, age cheating undermines the integrity of the sport and negatively affects the proper growth and development of young athletes, stressing the need for all stakeholders to ensure children compete strictly within their rightful age categories.
