This archive report was first published on 8 August 2019.
On the eve of the 12th African Games in Morocco, Kenya's National Olympic Committee (Nock) has emphasized the importance of transparency in team selections.
With the Games set to take place from August 19-31, Nock has reiterated the need for sports federations to pick their teams based on merit, rather than other considerations.
"It has always been our position that Kenya is represented by the best athletes in international games and championships," Nock stated in a recent announcement. "We therefore encourage various federations and associations to carry out transparent and competitive selection processes in selecting teams for international assignments, including the upcoming African Games."
The call for transparency comes after the Sports Disputes Tribunal recently quashed the badminton squad for the Games and ordered a fresh team to be selected in accordance with the selection policy.
Badminton players Sheila Gakii, Edwin Waitathu, and Loice Andia had accused Badminton Kenya of picking a team that did not meet the requirements set out in the selection policy.
With less than two weeks to go before the Games kick off, most federations have already selected their teams, which are currently in residential training.
Nock has also revealed that they will provide kits for the teams, while the Kenya National Sports Council will oversee the entire management of the Games.
Kenya will be sending a contingent of 290 athletes to participate in 22 disciplines in the Games, which will be held in four Moroccan cities – Rabat, Casablanca, El Jadida, and Khemisset.
