Kelvin Kiarie: Sports Ministry enters debate as skater announces withdrawal from World Skate Games 2026

According to a statement shared on October 8 by the Sports Ministry, Kiarie, who personally organized his travel arrangements for the October 2–18 games, booked a flight path requiring a layover in Panama.

However, because Panama lacks a resident embassy in Nairobi, securing the necessary transit visa required high-level diplomatic intervention.

"As Panama does not maintain a resident embassy in Kenya, the matter required facilitation through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the appropriate Panamanian diplomatic channels,” the Sports Ministry stated in part.

Recognizing the tight timeline after Kiarie missed his planned October 2 departure, officials instructed the skater to explore alternative flight itineraries that bypass Panama entirely so the ministry could assist with a new route.

“In parallel, and mindful of the urgency of his travel, Kevin was advised to consider alternative travel routes that would avoid the Panama transit visa requirement,” the ministry added.

Addressing its history with the athlete, the Ministry of Sports maintained that it has previously sponsored Kiarie in international events - including the Africa Skating Championships in Egypt - and asserted that he has consistently received all state cash rewards allocated for his performances.

However, Kiarie publicly disputed the ministry's position, directly challenging Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya's statements regarding state sponsorship and financial rewards.

“I have noted a social media post from the CS Sports Salim Mvurya claiming to have supported me, another lie,” Kiarie stated.

The skater countered that while cash prizes are routinely approved and sent through the Sports Ministry following his tournament victories, none of those funds have reached him.

"And in my case, you did not even have to give me the funds. Recognising my wins from Benin and other wins could have been enough; everything falls into place after recognition. I have never been supported in any of the competitions by the Ministry of Sports, not even the African Championship. Money was approved, but I have never received a coin; where is the money going?” Kiarie added.

Kiarie revealed that he was forced to organize public fundraising to cover his airfare and lodging for the Paraguay event despite public assurances of government funding. Pointing the finger at the Director of Sports for failing to resolve his inquiries, Kiarie confirmed he has already missed his scheduled events and demanded an audit into the funds approved under his name.

The new developments came after the renowned skater announced his forced withdrawal from the 2026 World Skate Games in Asunción, Paraguay, delivering a scathing critique of local sports governance and alleging corruption in the disbursement of athlete funds.

In a public statement posted on X on October 6, 2026, Kiarie expressed profound disappointment over missing the global showpiece, confirming that his 2026 competitive season has officially come to an end.

"It's unfortunate we shall not make it to the World Championship 2026. I've tried everything within my control. We were not accorded the appropriate support despite my efforts," Kiarie wrote. 

"Participating in this event could have been so special for me, I wanted to gift myself and my country but it's well. This marks the end of my 2026 competition season, looking forward to 2027."

The 26-year-old structural engineer, who has consistently flown the national flag at international skating events largely on self-funding and public appeals, went on to address systemic issues affecting national athletes.

"Kenyan athletes cannot keep changing their nationalities because of incompetence, we must stand up against the injustices," he urged, before alleging financial foul play. "Truth is, money was approved in my name but had a more hardworking recipient, the sad reality that faces many Kenyan athletes, frustrating our hardwork. Lets focus on 2027!"

Kiarie gained widespread public attention earlier in May 2026 after photos and videos went viral showing him commuting by public matatu to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to represent Kenya at the African Skating Championships in Cairo, Egypt, and the Cotonou International Championship in Benin. 

Despite lacking institutional funding, he went on to win gold and silver medals, earning national praise and recognition.

Following his continental triumphs, and after dramatic online exchanges with Sports officials, Kiarie met with Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi in May 2026. 

While the Ministry pledged support and subsequently reported releasing cash awards and federation support, Kiarie has continously maintained that promised reimbursements and direct funding is still yet to reach him.