Athletics Kenya launches digital Athlete Hub to strengthen transparency and restore trust
Athletics Kenya (AK) has unveiled a new digital platform aimed at transforming athlete management, enhancing transparency and supporting the country’s efforts to restore confidence in Kenyan athletics amid the fight against doping.
The Riadha Connect Athletes Hub, launched in Eldoret on Wednesday, will serve as a centralized database for athletes, coaches, managers, doctors, support staff, race organisers and other stakeholders. The platform is expected to streamline registration, improve service delivery and strengthen accountability across the athletics ecosystem.
The initiative forms part of broader reforms designed to help Kenya address concerns that placed the country in Category A of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) watch list.
Speaking during the launch in Eldoret, Registrar of Sports Rose Wasike, who read a speech on behalf of Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, said the Riadha Connect Athletes Hub marks a new era in sports administration by replacing fragmented manual systems with a unified digital platform.
She said that for decades, sport has united generations, inspired young people and carried Kenya’s flag to the highest podiums across the world. She noted that every athlete will now have a secure digital identity documenting their sporting journey, achievements and eligibility throughout their career.
“Sport is built on one priceless value— Integrity. Without integrity records lose meaning, without integrity medals lose value and without integrity victory loses its honour,” the statement read.
Wasike said the involvement of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) demonstrates Kenya’s unwavering commitment to protecting clean sport and safeguarding the credibility of its athletes on the global stage.
She added that the Athletes Hub will also serve as a strategic planning tool by providing comprehensive data to support athlete development pathways, improve transparency in team selection, enhance management efficiency and simplify visa facilitation for athletes travelling to international competitions.
Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei described the platform as a milestone in modernising the federation’s operations.
“Kenya has built remarkable performance over the years. However, while we celebrate these achievements, the future demands transparent systems to support our athletes. This is a bold step towards modernizing and consolidating all our services,” said Tuwei.
He added that the system will also help monitor athlete information to address cases of gender-based violence and protect athletes’ rights.
National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) Vice President Barnaba Korir said the portal creates a transparent relationship between athletes and their representatives.
“An athlete registers a manager, who then confirms or declines the association. This eliminates disputes over athlete representation and coaching,” said Korir.
He added that the platform will allow athletes to apply online for visa clearance letters and other Athletics Kenya services, reducing the need to travel to Nairobi.
More than 13,000 athletes have already been registered on the platform. Coaches, managers and race organisers will also be able to monitor athletes’ performance progression before making selections or signing them for competitions.
Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) Chairman Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu said rebuilding Kenya’s reputation requires collective responsibility from all stakeholders.
Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge said integrity remains the foundation of sporting excellence.
“An athlete runs for two reasons: to compete and to earn trust. Records are important, but credibility comes from competing clean. Integrity is what builds lasting trust,” said Kipchoge.
He acknowledged that Kenya has faced significant scrutiny over doping but noted that collaboration between the government and athletics stakeholders has strengthened efforts to protect the country’s reputation.
Former world champion Janet Jepkosgei welcomed the platform, saying it will improve athlete development by helping coaches and managers monitor young talent more effectively.
Steeplechase legend Ezekiel Kemboi said the new system would reduce unnecessary travel.
“We used to travel to Nairobi to get requisite papers and clearance, but systems are being developed to help us spend more time training rather than travelling,” he said.
Coach John Ewoi noted that access to participation statistics across events would help coaches identify talent gaps and make informed training decisions.
Athlete Edward Cheserek said the portal would make it easier to track race calendars and plan competitions with coaches, while Thomas Portzinger of the ASICS-backed Mezzomanagement Group said the system would help managers identify emerging talent by monitoring performance progression.
Athletics Integrity Unit representative Thomas Capdevielle welcomed the initiative, saying the comprehensive database will help restore the credibility of Kenyan athletics and improve confidence among investors and international stakeholders.
Athletics Kenya Head of Anti-Doping Charlotte Kurgoy said it has taken two years to develop the Riadha Connect Athletes Hub, a process made possible through collaboration with development partners and the registration of athletes from across the country.
“It started as just a piece of paper before gradually evolving into a comprehensive Athletes Hub with the support of our development partner,” she said.
Kurgoy noted that Athletics Kenya will roll out nationwide sensitization campaigns and conduct camp audits to ensure athletes and support personnel fully understand and embrace the new digital platform.
She also assured athletes that the system fully complies with Kenya’s data protection and data management requirements, emphasizing that personal information collected through the hub will be securely handled and safeguarded in line with the law.
