Multiple African champion Kevin Kiarie Ruhiu has publicly disputed the Sports Ministry’s claim that it has been supporting his participation in international skating competitions. This public dispute began after Kiarie questioned his inclusion on the proposed 2026 national heroes list. According to Kiarie, he has never received support from the Ministry of Sports for any of the competitions in which he represented Kenya.
The Ministry of Sports, however, claims to have provided Kiarie with government support for international competitions, including the Africa Skating Championships in Egypt. They also stated that they fully paid his cash award entitlements from the Benin International Challenge and the Africa Skating Championships. Furthermore, the ministry said it had intervened after Kiarie raised concerns over his visa and travel arrangements for the World Skate Games in Asunción, Paraguay.
Kiarie dismissed the ministry's claims, stating that he had to raise money for his participation in the competitions himself. He expressed frustration that despite the ministry's promises of support, he did not receive any assistance. Kiarie also challenged the ministry to disclose the amount approved for him for previous competitions, which he claims was never provided.
The dispute follows Kiarie’s earlier questioning of his proposed recognition as a national hero, despite what he described as a lack of State support. His name appears on the proposed National Heroes Council 2026 list, where he is described as a multiple African champion recognised for exceptional achievements in freestyle slalom skating. The council cites his gold medal at the 2026 African Skating Championship in Cairo and silver at the Challenge Skating Championships in Benin.
The ministry, meanwhile, said it recognises Kiarie’s achievements and remains supportive of his sporting ambitions. They maintained that Kiarie has previously benefited from government support towards his participation in international competitions. However, Kiarie insists that he resorted to public fundraising to meet the costs of attending the Paraguay competition, announcing that Kenyans had contributed Sh340,000 towards his participation.
The fundraising has since become part of the disagreement over whether the government supported his participation. Kiarie said the money was raised for his ticket and accommodation despite public assurances that the ministry would support his participation. The ministry stated that its international travel and visa interventions are subject to established diplomatic procedures and that successful and timely intervention depends on early engagement and the provision of complete and valid travel documentation.
The dispute has generated debate on social media, with some users accusing the ministry of attempting to take credit for Kiarie’s achievements after he had raised money independently. The ministry said it remains available to engage Kiarie and will continue working with the skating fraternity to strengthen the sport and expand opportunities for all Kenyan athletes.
Key points
- Kiarie disputes the Sports Ministry's claim of support for his international skating competitions.
- The ministry claims to have provided Kiarie with government support for international competitions.
- Kiarie had to raise funds for his participation in the competitions himself.
