Athletics coaches from North and South Rift have expressed their disappointment over the ongoing wrangles in Athletics Kenya.
The coaches said the row is affecting the performance of athletes in their regions.
They said the wrangles are affecting their work at a time when the federation has not even released this season’s calendar of events.
While addressing a press conference in Nakuru on Sunday, the ten coaches led by Francis Kamau of Nyahururu called on the federation to recognise their work.
Kamau said the constitution should be amended to allow for the creation of a coaches’ commission to champion their welfare and those of athletes who take part in international championships.
The tacticians included former national coach Dan Muchoki, Robert Kioni, Abraham Kiplimo, Kennedy Tanui, Sammy Rono, Noah Ruto, Andrew Nabukwesa, Francis Kamau Mwaniki and Boniface Tiren.
Kamau called for the development of funds to regions including North Rift, South Rift, Central Kenya, Mt Elgon Region and Nyanza South, which consistently take part in international championships.
“Let the wrangles end in the next seven days or else the federation will face the wrath of athletes,” warned Kamau.
The coaches called on Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs Hassan Wario to intervene and end the stalemate between AK chairman Isaiah Kiplagat and chairmen of the respective affiliates.
They called on the athletics federation to always make follow-ups on the progress of the runners after their participation at international championships.
At the same time, the coaches wondered why the branch chairmen were opposed to the new constitution and yet they had approved it before the federation’s elections. They also hinted at misuse of funds.
“The protesting chairmen are always given between Sh200,000 to Sh600,000 annually, which they cannot account for in terms of their development programmes,” Kamau said.
The Standard
