By Robert Kibet
Nearly a decade after the chaotic Rio 2016 Olympic Games exposed Kenya’s weakest link in sports administration marked by lost kits, financial irregularities and demoralized athletes, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) has once again changed hands.
This time, the stakes are higher, the scrutiny sharper and the expectations heavier.
In a symbolic yet pointed handover ceremony held at NOC-K headquarters in Nairobi, outgoing President and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member Dr. Paul Tergat passed the mantle to Shadrack Maluki, ushering in what has been widely described as a pivotal moment for Kenya’s Olympic future.
Coming just almost a year after the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Kenya registered a mixed bag of podium finishes and administrative lapses, the transition could not have been more timely.
“We must ensure that this institution does not remain strong but underutilized,” said Maluki in his inaugural address.
“We must never allow its potential to be consumed without delivering value to those it serves.”
A Post-Paris Reckoning
While Kenyan athletes once again demonstrated grit and global dominance in Paris—particularly in middle and long-distance running—the Games exposed familiar logistical cracks. From poor travel co-ordination to delayed allowances, these challenges pointed to a system in urgent need of reform.
For many, the leadership change marks an opportunity to reset and rebuild.
“To our sportsmen and women: we hear you, we see you, and we are here for you,” Maluki said. “Your welfare, your training environments, and your post-competition careers will remain top priorities. We will put athlete well-being at the core of our agenda.”
It was a direct message to a sporting community long disillusioned by tokenism and unfulfilled promises.
Maluki emphasized that his presidency will be anchored on three pillars: structure, inclusivity, and excellence.
Yet for all the lofty intentions, there is widespread understanding that real change will depend on implementation, particularly how NOC-K engages athletes, federations, and sponsors while maintaining independence and transparency.
Dr. Tergat’s Legacy: Stability, But Not Without Gaps
Outgoing President Tergat, who served two terms and brought calm professionalism to the Committee after years of turbulence, used his final speech to reflect on the strides made during his eight-year tenure.
“These ladies and gentlemen distinguished themselves for their exemplary dedication, passion, and teamwork,” he said. “This is the delivery secret behind our transformation of NOC-K into a respected and enviable institution.”
He thanked partners like Nike, the International Olympic Committee, and local sponsors such as Safaricom and Kenya Breweries for their sustained support of Team Kenya, while paying tribute to the athletes who, in his words, remain “our biggest and most successful international brand.”
Despite these achievements, there were limitations.
Critics point to a lack of structural reform in athlete development pathways and a widening disconnect between federations and NOC-K, especially during pre-Olympic planning cycles.
Enter Barnaba Korir: Bridging Federations, Building an Industry
One of the most notable new faces in NOC-K’s top brass is Barnaba Korir, the First Vice President, who deputizes Maluki.
A well-known figure in Kenyan athletics and currently serving as the Director of Youth Development at Athletics Kenya (AK), Korir’s rise is being seen as a game-changer for the Olympic Movement.
Often described as energetic and visionary, Korir has publicly stated that his position within NOCK is not ceremonial—but transformative.
“My ascension to the vice presidency is not about power,” Korir said in a past interview.
“It is about helping federations turn sport into an industry. Our athletes should not just chase medals; they should earn livelihoods, build legacies, and inspire unity through performance.”
He added that under the new leadership, NOC-K would actively work to unify all sports federations and create joint high-performance strategies. The goal? Ensure that Kenya not only qualifies more athletes for global competitions but also sustains medal-winning performances across multiple disciplines.
Korir’s track record speaks for itself.
Under his youth-focused programs at AK, Kenya has seen a resurgence of junior talent, some of whom became part of the Paris 2024 squad.
His vision to align NOC-K’s planning with AK’s grassroots pipeline could prove pivotal in addressing one of Kenya’s biggest Olympic weaknesses: inadequate long-term preparation.
A Shift in Tone and Substance?
The new NOC-K Board comes in with bold promises: institutional accountability, inclusive engagement, and placing athletes at the centre of every program.
Maluki’s statement that “there is no reinventing the wheel—only oiling and reinvigorating the parts and linkages that propel our momentum” signals a commitment to continuity with reform.
The handover itself was meticulously symbolic.
Key items, including the Olympic Charter, NOC-K constitution, office keys, and financial instruments, were formally passed on, emphasizing the gravity and responsibility of the transition.
But as many stakeholders have said, the true test will not be in ceremonies or speeches—it will be in systems.
“We’ve seen Kenya’s athletes carry the nation on their shoulders time and time again,” said a former elite marathoner who requested anonymity.
“What they now need is an Olympic body that carries them, not one that becomes a burden in the name of leadership.”
Road to Los Angeles 2028
With the Los Angeles Olympics just three years away, NOC-K has limited time to implement changes.
Preparations must begin now—not a few months before team departure.
Athlete welfare, coaching capacity, anti-doping awareness, and financial transparency will be decisive factors.
The new leadership must also navigate funding constraints, government partnerships, and increased global competition.
For Kenya to maintain its Olympic relevance, it must diversify its medal haul beyond athletics and build systems that support lesser-funded sports like swimming, badminton, and cycling.
Conclusion: From Ceremony to Accountability
The leadership handover at NOC-K is more than a baton pass—it is a defining moment for Kenya’s Olympic future.
Maluki’s promises are encouraging. Korir’s inclusion offers technical depth and a fresh drive. But the ghosts of Rio still linger, and the lessons of Paris must now be heeded.
For athletes who risk everything for the flag, the time for cosmetic leadership is over.
The moment calls for bold execution, radical transparency, and, above all, a system that sees sport not as a seasonal event—but as a national asset.
Robert Kibet is a freelance journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. He previously worked as a correspondent for Milele FM. His feature stories on development, the climate crisis, the environment, conflict, human rights, food security, and education have been published in The Guardian UK, Reuters, IPS, DW, The New Humanitarian, and Equal Times.
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