Team Maluki launches bid for NOC-K leadership, says athletes welfare central to its vision

Judo Kenya President Shadrack Maluki has today launched his bid to become the next president of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya ahead of the committee`s elections slated for April 24 2025.

Speaking at the launch of the manifesto of his team, dubbed "New Dawn, Fresh NOC-K" Maluki amplified the need to work closely with the newly elected International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry in order to uplift Africa's Olympic success and the development of sports in Africa.

“I will seek to create an athlete's centred leadership, where we will put the athletes first and in the heart of every decision, I will seek to enhance athletes representation in the decision making process to ensure that their welfare is heard.”

Flanked by his proposed 12-member committee that is made up of various federations’ bosses, Maluki is confident on getting his charges ready for the elections aiming to instil a positive culture amongst the various federations including having credible and fair elections.

Maluki, who also chairs the African Judo Union is savouring the opportunity to work in earnest with newly elected International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry in taking the development of sports to new heights, not only in Kenya but also in Africa as a whole.

"We need to take this opportunity to ensure we work closely with her to ensure we grow the sports in not only Kenya but Africa as a whole because when we have good competition in Africa, then we will have a great number of talents for Africa in the Olympics."

He emphasized his utmost desire to work with various federations in coming up with definite structures in order to develop and integrate the youths involvement in sports through building of facilities and empowerment.

One such venture he says is working closely with the current Athletics Kenya Chairman of the Youth Development Barnaba Korir, who is primed to be his First Vice President, should his camp win, stating that it is one of their top most priorities.

At the same time, Double Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge was named as the Male Athletes representative with Kenya Lionesses captain Grace Adhiambo nominated to represent female athletes.

According to Maluki`s camp, Kipchoge`s nomination is expected to lead the future of athlete representation that will propel it into future roles at the International level.