'This is not what I signed up for' Fencer Ndolo faults federation, ministry for neglect

Nine months after she ditched Germany for Kenya, German-born fencer, Alexandra Ndolo appears to be regretting her move already, with no support from the federation or government coming her way.

Last September, Ndolo took to social media to announce that she was switching her allegiance to Kenya after years of representing her country of birth. The 36-year old appeared to be thrilled then about representing the country of her mother’s birth.

“To my new sports family from Team Kenya and the Kenya Fencing Federation. I can’t wait to go on this journey with all of you together! I can’t wait to meet even more of you and fight for glory alongside all of you. Let's make Kenya proud! Mimi ni Mkenya, na sisi ni Waafrika -I am Kenyan and we're Africans,” she stated.

Nine months in, the journey is not what he expected it to be as according to her, she has had to foot her own bills. She claims the federation has been full of empty promises.

Ndolo’s statement

It’s time to be honest with myself & with the people around me. I have reached my limit. I hate to admit it, I hate to ask for help, but I feel I can no longer lie. Especially if those lies are protecting the system that should support me.

I didn’t want to be the one feeding into the narrative of an African country being too unorganized or unwilling to support their high level athletes, as I am very protective of the way Africa is being perceived on other continents.

But here is the truth:

So far I have organized & financed ALL of my fencing season. I have planned, booked & paid for every single training camp & competition. I have traveled to many competitions without my coach & not once taken a physio with me. For a fencer of my caliber this is not just unusually, it is unheard of. Despite this I have completely exhausted my recourses & built up a debt that is quite frankly threatening my existence. Contrary to the common Kenyan idea of people living in Europe I am not a rich muzungu that has bottomless pockets & can therefore be taken advantage off. I can’t afford to promote fencing in Kenya, assure visibility for the young Kenyan athletes, the young Kenyan coaches & provide results for the officials whilst getting no support WHAT SO EVER.

All I have received these past 9 months have been empty words & promises from the Kenyan Fencing Federation & the Kenyan sports system. Whilst being happy to boast about their new sport & new top ten world ranking player no one was able to put actions behind their words.

I am very sensitive to money problems, because being the child of immigrants usually means growing up culturally richer, but financially poorer than most of your age-mates (I guess there is something about seeing or rather feeling your parents struggle that never quite leaves you). Publicly admitting all of this is very difficult for me, but at this point keeping quiet is taking a toll on my performance, more than any injury or heartache has ever done. To the Kenyan sports system I want to say if you truly want to embrace me, not just with words, if you truly want to be on this road to Paris together, put some actions behind your words.

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