Nairobi, Kenya – Athletics Kenya (AK) has issued a firm warning against unethical conduct as the country gears up for the national junior trials that will shape Kenya’s team for the 2025 Africa Under-18 and Under-20 Championships in Nigeria.
The national trials is set for June 19-21 at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.
Speaking during the Nairobi Junior Pre-Trials held at the Nairobi West Prison track, AK Youth Development Director and Nairobi Region Chairman Barnaba Korir strongly condemned the rising trend of age cheating and manipulation within youth athletics.
“We cannot be a cheating nation, we cannot allow that,” Korir declared, emphasizing the need to uphold the integrity of the sport. “Officials, coaches, and even some teachers encourage such things. We must end this menace.”
The pre-trials featured some of the region’s most promising young athletes, serving as a key qualifier for the upcoming national trials.
He revealed that investigations are already underway, targeting school-linked officials suspected of facilitating age falsification. “At the end of the day, either we agree to do the wrong things and get banned, or we punish those involved,” he warned.
Korir stressed that Kenya’s reputation as a global athletics powerhouse hinges on maintaining fair play.
BY ROBERT KIBET- A Nairobi-based freelance journalist.
