By Copperfield Lagat, Special Correspondent
Athletics Kenya hopes that the newly-unveiled digital platform will transform the management of athletes’ welfare while strengthening Kenya's fight to restore confidence in its athletics integrity.
The “Riadha Connect Athletes Hub”, launched in Eldoret on Wednesday, is expected to streamline communication across the country's athletics ecosystem by linking athletes, coaches, managers, race organisers and other stakeholders on a single digital platform.
The launch comes at a time when Kenya, a global powerhouse in distance running, continues efforts to overcome the damage caused by doping cases and rebuild international trust in its athletics programme. Kenya is said to still be on the category A of the doping watch.
Speaking during the launch of the portal in Eldoret, Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei said: "Kenya has built remarkable performance over the years. However, while we celebrate this achievements, the future demands transparent systems to support our athletes. This is a bold step towards modernizing and consolidating all our services."
Tuwei also said the system also seeks to monitor information to avert cases of Gender Based Violence and violation of rights of the athletes. On October 13, 2021, Kenya lost a promising track talent, Agnes Tirop, who was reportedly killed in Iten as a result of domestic violence.
At Wednesday’s launch, National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) Vice President Barnaba Korir said the portal will improve efficiency in athlete management by providing verified information that supports decision-making and enhances transparency.
"The portal creates a direct and accountable relationship between athletes and their managers. An athlete registers a manager, who then confirms or declines the association. This eliminates disputes over athlete representation and coaching," said Korir.
Elite athletes, including marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge (centre) and Augustine Choge (right) follow the proceedings in Eldoret during the launch of the athletes' portal on Wednesday. (Photo / Copperfield Lagat)
He noted that the platform will also simplify administrative services, allowing athletes to process visa clearance letters and other Athletics Kenya services online instead of travelling to the federation's Nairobi headquarters.
More than 13,000 athletes have already been registered on the system, which will also allow coaches, managers and race organisers to track athletes' performance progression before making selections or signing them for competitions.
Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) chairman Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu said the efforts of rebuilding Kenya's trust in competition, cannot be won by a single person, it is a collective responsibility.
Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge said the platform complements the country's broader mission of protecting the integrity of Kenyan athletics.
"An athlete runs for two reasons—to compete and to earn trust. Records are important, but credibility comes from competing clean. Integrity is what builds lasting trust," said Kipchoge.
He acknowledged that Kenya has faced intense scrutiny over doping but said the country has made significant progress through government investment and collaboration with stakeholders to safeguard the sport's reputation.
"The system gives athletes confidence by making information easily accessible and strengthening interaction with stakeholders for better decisions and guidance," he added.
Janet Jepkogei, a former world 800 metres champion, runs a holiday youth athletics training camp. She says the system will assist in development of and progression of the young athletes and monitoring of performance and managers will be tempted to take them through enhanced communication.
Steeplechase legend, Ezekiel Kemboi, noted: "We used to travel to Nairobi to get requisite papers and clearance but systems are being developed to assist us spend more time in training rather than traveling."
Coaches also welcomed the innovation, saying access to comprehensive performance data will improve talent development.
Coach Japheth Kimutai says cases of "stealing" athletes will be solved by the integrated management system. Kimutai also said coaches to analyse participation trends across events and identify areas where Kenya can nurture more talent.
Another coach, John Ewoi said: "If I can see how many athletes are competing in the 10,000 metres, I can identify gaps and make informed coaching decisions," he said.
Former world 800 metres champion Janeth Jepkosgei speaks in Eldoret during the launch of the 'Riadha Connect Athletes' Hub' portal on Wednesday. (Photo / Copperfield Lagat)
According to an athlete, Edward Cheserek, the platform will make it easier for athletes to monitor race calendars and discuss competition schedules with their coaches.
Thomas Portzinger, an agent with Asics-backed Mezzomanagement Group, noted that the system will help managers identify promising talent by tracking athletes' performance progression over time.
Athletes Integrity Unit's Thomas Capdevielle said the new platform will help restore the credibility of Kenyan athletics.
"We have worked with Kenya for a long time. This data base will also assist in the journey to credibility in Kenyan athletics. This also makes it easier for investors to access information, both internally and externally," Monaco-based Capdeville said.
Other stakeholders also noted that the centralized database will support the efforts to conduct more targeted testing, a move expected to further strengthen Kenya's campaign to restore its reputation as a leader in clean athletics.
