Coe pledges support in fight against GBV among Kenyan athletes

Speaking during his visit to Kenya on Wednesday, Coe, alongside Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya, emphasized the critical role of sports in addressing these challenges.

At a press conference held at Riadha House in Nairobi on Wednesday, Coe acknowledged Kenya's progress in tackling GBV, striking a more optimistic tone compared to his visit in January 2023, when he warned of a "long journey" ahead.

He underscored the power of athletics as a platform for advocacy, stating:

"We can use sport as a way of raising the profile of this challenge."

To address GBV in sports, the Kenyan government has established a dedicated secretariat led by a CEO tasked with implementing effective measures. Mvurya highlighted the strides made, saying:

"We have rolled out efforts to address GBV, and the secretariat is making significant progress."

Kenya has faced scrutiny over the welfare of its athletes following a series of tragic deaths among female runners due to GBV-related incidents.

One of the most shocking cases occurred in September 2024, when Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei was killed by her partner.

She joined a growing list of victims, including former world record holder Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, both of whom lost their lives in similar circumstances.

Anti-Doping Efforts

Beyond GBV, Coe also commended Kenya's commitment to eradicating doping, citing the government's annual investment of $5 million (approximately KSh 645.75 million) to strengthen the fight against banned substances.

He praised the collaboration between the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), Athletics Kenya (AK), and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), stating:

"The funding made available by the Kenyan government has been extremely helpful in this fight."

Since 2017, nearly 130 Kenyan athletes, primarily long-distance runners, have been sanctioned for doping violations. However, Coe expressed optimism that the ongoing efforts would help restore integrity in Kenyan athletics.

The visit comes as Coe prepares to contest for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) later this month in Greece. His endorsement of Kenya's initiatives reinforces the nation's standing in global athletics and its commitment to clean sports.

Coe concluded by reaffirming World Athletics' unwavering support for Kenya, acknowledging the country’s legacy of excellence and its role in upholding the sport’s integrity:

"We are happy with our collaboration and will continue working closely with the Kenyan government to maintain its strong reputation on the global stage."