Against all odds: Kevin Kiarie skates Kenya to African gold

Yet, for the 27-year-old skater from Roysambu, the modest reception reflected the difficult journey he has endured to reach the top of African skating.

Kiarie returned home with one gold and one bronze medal, achievements he dedicated to the Kenyans and well-wishers who helped fund his travel and accommodation to Cairo.

Emerging through Terminal 1A, he was welcomed by his wife, two daughters, siblings, a few skating friends, and only one media house, Citizen TV. But for Kiarie, the support of those who believed in him long before the medals mattered most.

“First of all, it all began with passion. This is something I have wanted to do for the longest time. Two years ago, I said I wanted to become the African champion, and I had to do it no matter what,” Kiarie said.

“First it’s passion, then commitment to do something for myself and transform skating in Kenya.”

Kiarie’s journey to continental success has been far from easy. At a previous international competition in Benin, he represented Kenya alone, funding his own travel, training himself, and navigating the experience without institutional backing. Despite those challenges, he still managed to win gold and silver medals.

Ahead of the championships in Cairo, Kiarie shared his preparations and struggles on social media, inspiring Kenyans to contribute more than KSh200,000 towards his trip.

Despite the existence of skating clubs and a national federation in Kenya, Kiarie says he did not receive financial support from the relevant structures.

“Yes, there is a federation and we have skating clubs across the country. Probably if the federation was working well, we could see them here. We need more than documentation from them,” he said.

Now, the African champion hopes his success can help elevate skating in Kenya and inspire young athletes to pursue the sport professionally.

“Let’s give these children purpose to skate. Let’s give skaters on the streets a reason to pursue their passion just like any other superstar athlete,” he said.

“We admire the level of athletes in running and football, and I’m sure with the necessary support from relevant stakeholders, skating can become a major sport.”

Kiarie is now preparing for the upcoming World Games in Paraguay and is also set to travel to China for advanced training.

His preparations have received a boost through an international connection made during last year’s World Championships in Singapore, where he met a trainer who provided him with professional skates and continues to coach him virtually.