This archive report was first published on 9 January 2020.
Kenyan swimmers' participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics hangs in the balance after the International Swimming Federation (Fina) suspended the Kenya Swimming Federation (KSF) for failing to hold elections.
The KSF last held elections in September 2014, and despite repeated notices from Fina, they have yet to comply with the world swimming governing body's rules.
According to a letter dated December 16, 2019, signed by Fina Executive Director Cornel Marculescu, the KSF is not in compliance with Fina Rules and Fina Constitution.
"Through this letter we would like to inform you that Kenyan Swimming Federation is not in compliance with Fina Rules and Fina Constitution," the letter stated.
Fina had granted the KSF multiple deadlines to conduct elections, including June 30, 2019, October 30, 2019, and November 30, but none of these deadlines were met.
As a result, Fina has decided to initiate proceedings to suspend the Kenyan Swimming Federation and its members, including the clubs, according to Fina Rule C 12.2.
The suspension aims to protect the Fina Aquatics Family in Kenya and will remain in place until the KSF's Constitution is in accordance with Fina Rules and approved by the Fina Bureau, new elections are conducted according to Fina Rules and under the supervision of Fina, and the new Board of Directors of the Kenyan Swimming Federation is approved and recognized by Fina.
The suspension now throws in doubt the participation of Kenya's two wild card swimmers in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
