This archive report was first published on 11 November 2021.
On Wednesday, a National Consultative Meeting of Athletics Kenya (AK) was held in Chuka, Tharaka Nithi County, where athletes shared their struggles with relationships and exploitation.
According to AK's executive in charge of women, Elizabeth Keitany, many talented athletes come from poor backgrounds and are easily targeted by individuals with ulterior motives.
"We have a big problem in addressing issues that affect female athletes," Keitany said. "Some of them are in a difficult situation today because they trusted people with ulterior motives. They are now stuck in toxic relationships because the people who 'helped' them returned to ask for favours in kind and this is unacceptable," she added.
Keitany advised female athletes to seek help from the federation when they are starting out their career, warning that they risk falling victim to people with questionable motives.
Gender-based violence was also identified as a major issue affecting athletes, with couples who are runners advised to seek counselling to solve their problems.
"Since we started these forums, we have asked athletes to seek help from relevant offices to avoid being duped and dumped or even killed," Keitany said, referencing the tragic death of former World Cross Country Championship winner Agnes Tirop.
After concluding the consultative forums, Keitany's sub-committee members will meet to discuss how the federation can provide support to upcoming athletes, including designating senior, friendly chaperones to attend female athletes in need.
"Female athletes are usually shy and they remain silent even when they are hurting. We require more chaperones and female coaches who can encourage them to open up before the situation gets worse," Keitany said.
AK President Jack Tuwei explained that the federation chose a different approach this year to engage with athletes at the grassroots level, with a focus on addressing issues that were previously overlooked.
