Kesavi seek Sports Ministry intervention over election wrangles

The Kenya Sports Association for the Visually Impaired (KESAVI) has called on the Ministry of Sports to intervene and help resolve internal wrangles that have delayed the association’s planned elections.

KESAVI officials, led by Vice President Abdulhakim Shehe, say the prolonged disputes are threatening the association’s operations and preparations for the 2026 IBSA Blind Football Men’s and Women’s African Championships set for Egypt.

“We were tasked to review the KESAVI constitution and auditing, yet the same department does not want to give the board the instrument of power,” Shehe said.

With other African nations intensifying their preparations for the continental showpiece, KESAVI says Kenya’s participation is increasingly hanging in the balance unless the internal issues are resolved urgently.

The African Championships are scheduled for Giza, Egypt, in November 2026.

KESAVI has already unveiled the Kenyan squads expected to represent the country at the championships.

However, the teams are yet to begin residential training, raising concerns over Kenya’s readiness for the tournament.

The association says the ongoing wrangles have affected its ability to effectively plan and coordinate preparations for the national teams.

“We have already submitted our complaints to the Cabinet Secretary and also to the Ombudsman so that the office can be pushed to do what it is supposed to do,” said KESAVI Secretary General Kennedy Ndungi.

Shehe and other KESAVI officials are now appealing to the Sports Ministry to step in, resolve the disputes and pave the way for elections, which they say are critical to restoring stability within the association.

With the championships drawing closer, they fear that further delays could leave Kenyan athletes at a disadvantage against continental rivals who have already intensified their preparations.

KESAVI is therefore urging the Ministry to act swiftly to safeguard Kenya’s participation and give the national blind football teams adequate time to prepare for the continental competition.