An ongoing investigation into age cheating by Kenyan international athletes has found at least 20 of them culpable of manipulation.
The crackdown, which was prompted by irregularities in athlete documents dating back to 2016, has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s heralded running fraternity.
The Athletics Kenya (AK) and World Athletics teamed up to scrutinize certificates and passports of the athletes following allegations of age misrepresentation, especially by those competing in age‑restricted events.
AK and World Athletics began the inquiry following reports that older athletes were lying about their age to get into junior competitions, denying opportunities to the deserving young runners.
Of the 60 documents that were reviewed, 20 had faked their age, with the remaining cases either cleared or still under review.
The implicated athletes have been banned from local competitions until further communication on the sanctions by the World Athletics.
The scandal has shone a spotlight on teething problems in Kenyan youth athletics, exposing a worrying trend where Kenyan athletes pay bribes to get fake papers, hoping it will get them scholarships or chances to compete internationally.
The revelations have prompted calls for broader reforms within the sector even as sports enthusiasts and government officials say such malpractices were ruining fair competition and tarnishing Kenya’s global reputation.
This amid calls for renewed efforts to strengthen document verification and prevent future abuses.
