AK Issues Stern Warning Amid World Athletics Investigations

 

Athletics Kenya (AK) has issued a stern warning to teachers, coaches, parents, and athletes over the growing concern of age cheating, particularly among junior competitors.

Speaking on the sidelines of the media launch for the 5th edition of the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour in Eldoret, AK Youth Development Director Barnaba Korir revealed that the federation had received official communication from World Athletics regarding investigations into age manipulation involving some Under-20 athletes.

“In the last two months, we have received communication from World Athletics indicating that some of our Under-20 athletes are being investigated over age cheating,” Korir said.

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Korir emphasized that age falsification is a serious offense and warned that anyone found aiding or facilitating the manipulation of athletes’ ages including teachers, parents, and coaches would face severe consequences. He noted that Athletics Kenya has already initiated investigations and communicated its position to schools and training institutions.

“We have already sent a clear message to schools and coaches that there will be consequences for anyone found culpable. Children must compete in their rightful age categories, not through manipulation,” he added.

Korir further stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of the sport and the welfare of young athletes, stating that age cheating undermines fair competition and long-term athlete development.

Meanwhile, with the Sirikwa Classic featuring children’s race categories, Korir encouraged youth participation, urging young athletes to register in large numbers. He described the event as a vital platform for nurturing talent and providing young runners with an opportunity to showcase their abilities on a global stage.