Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that Athletics Kenya (AK) will hold its elections in 2024, stressing the importance of accountability and proper governance in Kenyan sports. Speaking at the launch of the 2024 Chemususu Half Marathon at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi on Thursday, Murkomen reiterated his commitment to improving governance in sports federations, starting with transparent elections.
“We have upcoming elections for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), AK next year, and other federations. From now on, the rules must be adhered to, and accountability must be ensured,” Murkomen emphasized.
The last general elections for AK were held in 2015, when Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei became president. Although new elections were scheduled for 2017, they were delayed by a court order after ten applicants contested the process.
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Murkomen highlighted the importance of leadership transition, stating, "Each of us must understand that this is a stage. You come, fulfill your role, and allow others to contribute."
In a related development, Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that the current AK officials are not eligible for re-election and ordered the federation to revise its 2016 constitution within 90 days after consulting all relevant stakeholders.
Regarding his future plans, AK President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei remained tight-lipped about a potential bid for the World Athletics presidency. When asked whether he would seek to succeed Lord Sebastian Coe should Coe transition to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Tuwei responded, "Let’s cross that bridge when we get there."
Tuwei, who also serves as a vice president at World Athletics, has overseen key events for AK, including the 2017 World Under-18 Championships, the 2021 World Under-20 Championships, the Kipchoge Keino Classic, and the Sirikwa World Cross Country Tour.
