Kenyan skater Kevin Kiarie has accused the Ministry of Sports of sidelining skating athletes, while questioning support he says was promised by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.

Kiarie said his pursuit of opportunities to represent Kenya in international competitions has been marked by numerous challenges, but he never expected the Ministry of Sports to become one of them.

“In pursuit for opportunity of competing in international competitions as a Kenyan athlete, I have encountered many challenges but I never thought, not even a single day, that the Ministry of Sports would be a challenge to Kenyan athletes,” Kiarie said.

He claimed that in May, Mvurya assured him that skating athletes would receive government support.

“In May, the CS sports Salim Mvurya lied to me on the phone that skating athletes were going to receive support only to do the opposite,” Kiarie alleged.

According to the athlete, the commitment was also communicated publicly, but he says the promised assistance did not materialise.

“Even after going on national Television to announce the same lie, the Principal Secretary, Ministry of sports, @eli_jah.mwas went ahead to make a foul lie in Murang'a,” he said.

Kiarie questioned why commitments would be made to athletes if they were not going to be fulfilled.

“What was the point of all the promises knowing very well they were lying?” he asked.

He also questioned how long athletes in less prominent sporting disciplines would have to wait before receiving greater recognition and support.

“How long will it take for sports diversity to be actually included by the ministry?” Kiarie said.

Kiarie Highlights Kenya's Skating Record

Kiarie argued that skating should receive greater attention from the government, citing Kenya's previous achievements in the sport.

“Skating sports have been sidelined by the ministry of sports in the recent years,” he said.

“It used to perfome very well in the past,” Kiarie added.

He pointed to the 2018 African Skating Championships, where he said Kenya recorded a strong medal haul.

“At one point Kenya won over 30 medals at the 2018 African Skating Championships but today, the reality is unfortunate,” he said.

Despite his concerns, Kiarie said he would continue encouraging athletes to remain committed to their careers.

“Regardless of this, we shall keep pushing and encouraging every skater to keep up the faith,” he said.

“This problems will not last forever,” he added.

Kevin Kiarie Sets Sights on 2027 Skating Competitions

Kiarie also announced plans to help Kenyan skaters seek funding for international competitions scheduled for 2027.

He said he intends to guide athletes in submitting proposals for consideration in the 2027 financial budget.

“Before December 20, 2026, like in 2025, I will guide skaters to submit 2027 financial budget to enable a majority, if supported, participate in different international Skating competitions next year including the Africa Skate Games 2027,” Kiarie said.

The planned budget proposals are intended to increase the number of Kenyan skaters who can participate in international competitions if funding is approved.

Kiarie questioned why young Kenyan athletes continue struggling to compete internationally despite the availability of public funds for sports development.

“For how long will Kenyan youths and athletes have suffer yet the funds are available?” he asked.

He maintained that government support should extend across sporting disciplines rather than being concentrated on a few sports.

“Supporting all sports is not a favour, it is their duty,” Kiarie said.

Kiarie's comments highlight the funding and representation concerns he says continue to affect Kenyan skating athletes as they seek opportunities to compete internationally.

The allegations regarding commitments by Mvurya and other Ministry of Sports officials were made by Kiarie. The Ministry's response to the claims was not included in his statement.

Do you want to be published? E-mail info@thedailywhistle.co.ke or WhatsApp 0721930260