Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Athletics Kenya is prioritizing the inclusion of women in coaching, officiating, and leadership roles to help close the gender gap in athletics. This initiative aligns with the World Athletics Gender Leadership Strategy, which aims for at least 40% female representation on executive boards and among CECS Level 1 coaches by 2029, with interim targets set for 2027. Susan Kamau, Athletics Kenya’s chief administrative officer, emphasized the federation’s commitment to creating an environment where women can be fully represented and inspire future generations.
In line with these goals, Athletics Kenya trained 44 women in October through a CECS Level 1 course delivered by the African Athletics Development Centre. Participants included representatives from organizations such as the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Kenya Prisons, National Youth Service, Kenya Forest Service, and several universities. The course covered coaching fundamentals, including communication, mental skills, coaching philosophy, talent identification, and athlete welfare, following mandatory online safeguarding training.
Jane Kiende, a teacher and coach from Meru County and former race walker, cited the gender imbalance she experienced as her motivation to pursue coaching. After completing the coaching course and the World Athletics Gender Leadership online course, Kiende was selected as a safeguarding officer and coach for the Kenyan team at the African Championships in Accra, Ghana. She noted that the experience allowed her to work closely with athletes and apply skills such as communication, openness, and teamwork.