Fresh complaints have emerged from players within the Kenya Judo fraternity, raising serious questions about athlete welfare, transparency, training facilitation, kitting and the conduct of officials within the Kenya Judo Federation.
The latest claims come days after concerns were raised over delayed payments following the Kenya Judo Federation championships. According to new information shared by players, the problem is deeper than unpaid allowances. Many athletes say the delays have directly affected their survival because some of them depend on judo-related activities, small jobs and facilitation money to afford rent, food, transport and basic upkeep.
Before the championships, several athletes were reportedly instructed to leave their informal jobs and report to a two-week training camp. They did so believing that they would be properly facilitated and paid on time after the event.
However, according to the complainants, some players are still stranded and frustrated because the money they were expecting was not for luxury, but for survival.
One source said many players made real sacrifices to attend camp and represent the country, only to be abandoned when it mattered most.
“Some players fully depend on judo for survival. Many athletes survive through small informal jobs just to afford rent, food, transport, and daily upkeep. Before the championships, several athletes were instructed to leave their jobs and report to a two-week training camp. They sacrificed their only source of income believing they would at least be facilitated properly and paid on time after the event.”
The source added that the delays have left some athletes in a difficult position, especially those who had paused their daily income-generating activities to attend camp.
“Up to now, some athletes are still stranded and frustrated because the money they were expecting was not for luxury, but for survival.”
Another issue now raising concern involves a planned training camp in Japan. According to the source, a group of players had already processed visas and prepared for intensive training in Japan, only to later be informed that tickets were never issued because the ministry had allegedly not released funds.
The athletes are now questioning why the process reached the visa stage without clear ticketing, funding assurance and proper communication.
“There is also the issue surrounding the Japan training camp. A group of players had already processed visas and prepared for intensive training in Japan. Later, athletes were informed that tickets were never issued because the ministry did not release funds. However, the visas remain active in passports and no proper communication or accountability was ever given to the players.”
The players now say the entire Japan camp process lacked transparency and left them confused about who was responsible, what money had been requested, what had been approved, and why the trip collapsed after visas had already been secured.
A further worrying allegation touches on the conduct of the federation treasurer during training camp at Kasarani.
According to the complainants, the official allegedly threatened to eliminate almost half of the athletes from the camp, claiming the ministry could not cater for “extra” players. Athletes reportedly found the remarks suspicious and feared that reducing player numbers could create room for manipulation of funds and athlete lists.
“Another worrying issue involves the federation treasurer. During training camp at Kasarani, he openly threatened to eliminate almost half of the athletes, saying the ministry could not cater for ‘extra’ players. Many athletes found this suspicious and feared it was creating room for possible misuse of funds and manipulation of athlete numbers.”
The players are also concerned that the same official is reportedly facing corruption-related allegations in court, yet still holds major influence within the federation.
“What makes the situation worse is that this same official is already facing corruption-related allegations in court, yet he still holds major influence within the federation. Many athletes now view him as one of the biggest threats to the future of Kenya Judo.”
The kitting situation during the recent championships has also triggered anger among athletes.
Players say they had been promised full kitting, including at least two pairs of tracksuits, shoes and bags. However, only around 30 athletes reportedly received any kitting, and even those who received kits allegedly got incomplete packages.
According to the complaints, most players only received one bag, one tracksuit and one pair of shoes, despite claims that enough supplies had been allocated for everyone.
“The kitting situation during the recent championships also raised serious concerns. Players had been promised full kitting including at least two pairs of tracksuits, shoes, and bags. However, only around 30 athletes reportedly received any kitting, and even that was incomplete.”
The most painful allegation from the players is that some officials allegedly walked away with multiple tracksuits, several pairs of shoes and extra bags while athletes remained underserved.
“Most players only received one bag, one tracksuit, and one pair of shoes despite there allegedly being enough supplies allocated for everyone. Meanwhile, some officials reportedly walked away with multiple tracksuits, several pairs of shoes, and extra bags while athletes remained underserved.”
The latest claims paint a disturbing picture of athletes who train, sacrifice and represent the country, but continue to feel neglected by those entrusted with managing the sport.
The players are now asking what the point of dedicating their lives to judo is if their welfare, basic facilitation, travel opportunities and kitting continue being handled casually.
The Kenya Judo Federation should publicly respond to these allegations and explain the status of delayed payments, the failed Japan training camp, the distribution of kits, the criteria used to select athletes for facilitation, and the role of officials accused of threatening players during camp.
Athletes deserve accountability, transparency and respect. Public funds and federation resources meant for sports development should first serve the players, not officials.