Track, Trust, and Trauma: North Rift Rallies to End Abuse in Athletics

NGEC Kisumu partners with sports stakeholders to combat Gender-Based Violence and protect female athletes in Kenya’s athletic heartland.

In a decisive move to protect the future of Kenyan athletics, the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) Kisumu Office has launched a robust campaign to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) in the North Rift —a region globally renowned for producing elite longdistance runners.

The initiative, rolled out in collaboration with athletics camps, sports federations, and child protection agencies, is being implemented amid growing concern over the silent suffering of female athletes. According to global studies, one in three female athletes experiences some form of abuse during their careers, with most cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, or institutional inaction.

“We can no longer allow abuse to thrive in silence,” said NGEC Kisumu Regional Head, Davis Okeyo, during a training session in Iten, ElgeyoMarakwet County. “Athletes should be able to pursue their dreams in safe and respectful environments.

Our mission is to make safeguarding a standard—not an afterthought—in every training ground and competition arena.”

The move follows a series of reported and unreported incidents of abuse in sports camps across Kenya and other countries. In recent years, investigations by both local media and international bodies have revealed troubling patterns of coercion, harassment, and systemic failure to protect young athletes.

The initiative aims to reverse this trend. In a recent workshop held in Iten, often dubbed the "Home of Champions", more than 150 stakeholders—including camp managers, sports psychologists, and youth representatives—participated in intensive sessions on recognising early warning signs of abuse and the importance of survivor-centred responses.

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility,” emphasised a representative from Athletics Kenya. “We must build trust, ensure accountability, and create mechanisms that do not fail victims.”

While the North Rift remains a beacon of athletic excellence, officials stress that talent development must not come at the expense of basic human rights. As part of the rollout, the campaign will also include awareness drives in schools, local radio spots in vernacular languages, and the distribution of safeguarding materials across training camps.

The long-term goal is clear: to build a culture in which zero tolerance for abuse is not just a slogan but a lived reality. The campaign urges community members, parents, and team leaders to speak out and act swiftly when concerns arise.

While the North Rift has long been synonymous with victory and athletic pride, this campaign underscores that true greatness must be built on a foundation of dignity and safety. The NGEC and its partners are committed to ensuring that athletes—especially girls and young women—can chase gold medals without fearing abuse behind the scenes.

NGEC Kisumu Regional Head, Davis Okeyo, during a training session in Iten