Athletics Kenya (AK) is set to embark on a nationwide public participation exercise aimed at reviewing and amending its constitution, with the process officially kicking off on November 3.
The initiative, sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports and in consultation with athletics stakeholders, seeks to align AK’s operations and governance structure with the provisions of the Sports Act, 2013, in accordance with Section 46 of the Sports Act.
Proposed public participation forums will provide a platform for athletes, coaches, officials and athletics enthusiasts across the country to voice their views on the proposed amendments that will shape the future of the federation.
In a press statement, AK stated that the exercise begins on November 3 in the northern region, where the forum will be held at the Garissa Primary Hall for the counties of Mandera, Wajir and Garissa while the same day, stakeholders drawn from Turkana, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot and Samburu will converge at Kapenguria Mtelo Hall.
On November 4, the consultation moves to Eldoret Sports Club, hosting participants from Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet regions regarded as the heartbeat of Kenyan athletics.
The following day, November 5, the forums will be staged at Kinoru Stadium for the counties of Marsabit, Isiolo, Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu, while Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga and Busia will hold their session at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Hall.
On November 6, the process shifts to the Ruring’u Stadium in Nyeri, bringing together Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a and Kiambu, as well as to the Kisumu Social Hall, where Kisumu, Homa Bay and Siaya counties will participate.
The exercise continues on November 7 with forums at the Machakos County Hall for Machakos, Makueni and Kitui and at the St. Vincent Pastoral Centre in Kisii for the counties of Kisii, Migori and Nyamira.
Public participation in the Coast region will be held on November 10 at the Ziwani School for the Deaf in Mombasa, bringing together participants from Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, Tana River, Taita Taveta and Lamu.
In addition, on the same day, Nakuru Old Town Hall will host representatives from Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kajiado and Laikipia.
The Nairobi region takes its turn on November 12 at the Nyayo National Stadium, followed by AK affiliates (Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Prisons and Police) who will conduct their session at the same venue on November 13.
The series of consultations will conclude on November 14 at Nyayo Stadium, where sponsors, partners and media representatives will have their opportunity to contribute to the process.
All forums will run from 9am to 1pm, allowing adequate time for submissions and discussions.
By Anita Omwenga
