Reprieve as World Aquatics Executive Committee lifts ban on Kenya Swimming Federation

Kenyan swimmers can now have verb feel relief after the World Aquatic announced that the ban on the country has been lifted with immediate effect.

In a letter addressed to Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK) secretary general Francis Mutuku confirmed communication from the World Aquatics Executive Committee that Kenya is no longer an isolated state when it comes to the sport.

With the ban lifted now the Kenyan Swimming Federation can now send a team to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The KSF was initially suspended on a temporary basis in late 2019 for not meeting the election deadlines after a long winding frustration among the sports stakeholders, and in May 2022, they were banished from international stage for failure to hold elections within the stipulated October 30 deadline

“We make reference to the above and notify you that communication from the Vice President, World Aquatics Executive Committee has confirmed that World Aquatics has lifted the ban on Kenya Swimming with immediate effect,” read a statement from the Secretary general sent to media houses on Wednesday afternoon.

Blow for Kenya Swimming Federation as suspension is set to be continued

The statement further stated that “We wish to thank you for your support and guidance in the process. Kenyan swimmers can now fly our flag proudly.”

However, after successfully holding their elections on Saturday at the Moi International Sports Center in Kasarani, the world governing body has handed reprieve to the athletes as preparations for the global showpiece gather momentum following the intercession of Sports Cabinet Sectary Ababu Namwamba

The Sports boss Ababu also took to social media to express his delight.

“Great day for Kenyan swimming as World Aquatics lifts the long-standing suspension of Kenya Aquatics imposed in 2019. Am delighted for our Kenyan swimmers who can now compete across the globe, proudly flying our flag. I thank the World Aquatics Executive Committee for working closely with us to figure out a path back to normalcy,” read part of his statement.

Kibera Black Stars parts ways with the entire technical bench, appoint Moses Onyango

However, with the state of the sport back to still waters, the National Executive Committee has said that the hard work begins with immediate effect.

“While the ban has been lifted, the hard work starts to ensure compliance with all the requisite laws and regulations. We continue relying on your support in this exercise while the Swimmers are in the pool,” concluded the press statement signed by NEC SG Mutuku.

During the elections conducted on Saturday, the new Federation will be led by President Maureen Owiti, Stanley Kaberu (first vice president), Hillary Seri (second vice president), and Collins Marigiri (secretary general).

Grace Kingori will be the assistant secretary as Liz Fatima takes the treasurer's docket. She will be assisted by Doris Njue with Omar Omari and Heize Kahindo as committee members

NOC-K welcomes IOC's decision to include five new sports in 2028 Olympics, preparations to begin early