Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei sends stern warning to age-cheating athletes
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 07.01.25. | 15:06
AK President Jack Tuwei issued a firm warning to athletes engaging in age cheating, promising decisive action to combat the malpractice
Athletics Kenya (AK) has unearthed a worrying trend of age cheating among athletes, which involves the forgery of identification documents such as birth and school leaving certificates.
In August 2024, AK Youth Development Chairman Barnaba Korir noted that they identified 26 cases extending as far back as 2016. He termed it as ‘a worrying phenomenon that not only endangers Kenya's reputation as a giant of the sport but the future of the culprits.’
Addressing the issue, AK President Jack Tuwei issued a firm warning to athletes engaging in age cheating, promising decisive action to combat the malpractice.
Speaking during the conclusion of the six-part AK Cross-country series at Cardinal Otunga High School in Kisii on Saturday 4 January, Tuwei revealed that both AK and government agencies are collaborating to tackle this persistent issue.
“When we were doing registration, we identified some under-20 athletes who did not have the correct documentation. Anybody engaging in age cheating will be dealt with,” the retired general stated.
Tuwei also called for the proper registration of athletes.
In July 2024, AK unveiled a new streamlined online registration system. It announced that starting January 1, 2025, all services will be exclusively available to registered athletes.
Some benefits of the system include competition management, performance reporting, camp management, visualization, and support documents (visas, release, passport, and authorization letters).
Tuwei emphasized that no athlete would be allowed to compete without fulfilling the required protocols. According to Tuwei, some teams and athletes were disqualified for failing to adhere to this rule. He encouraged athletes to complete their registrations at AK offices in Eldoret or Nairobi.
“The rule requires that athletes must register a day or two before the event, not on the day itself. No athlete will be allowed to run if you are not registered,” he added.
In addition, Tuwei announced a change in venue for the National Cross-country Championships.
The event, previously set for the Prisons Training College in Ruiru, will now take place at Eldoret Sports Club in Uasin Gishu County. The date remains Saturday 8 February, but Tuwei did not disclose the reasons behind the venue change.
As the Cross-country season continues, Tuwei encouraged athletes to participate in key upcoming events, including the 34th edition of the Discovery Cross Country on Sunday 26 January and the County Championships slated for Saturday, 11 January.
Regional championships will follow, with teams expected to finalize their squads for the nationals by Saturday 25 January.
Following the National Cross-country Championships, the action shifts to Kakamega for the first AK track and field weekend meeting scheduled for Thursday 13 and Friday 14 February.
The season will then conclude with the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour at Lobo Village on Saturday 23 February.
