Korir targets NOC-K seat

Athletics Kenya Executive Member and Youth Director Barnaba Korir believes he is the right person to advocate for athletes’ interests at the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) ahead of the association’s elections on April 24.

Having already been endorsed by AK, Korir, who is currently serving as NOC-K’s Executive Member, feels with the imminent departure of Kenyan legend Paul Tergat at the helm, there is a need for the most successful sport in the country to be well represented in the body.

Korir has aligned himself with current first Vice President Shadrack Maluki, who faces stiff competition from Secretary General Francis Mutuku for the top seat that will be decided by 29 delegates from affiliated federations. The elected individuals will be in office for four years.

“It is true I’m in the race for the first vice presidency position, and I’m working closely with the team of Shadrack Maluki. But we want to tell Kenyans that we don’t have any conflicts with other teams. We are all members of NOC-K, and we are going to conduct the elections with respect for one another. This is just a competition like any other,” Korir told Standard Sports.

Asked about preparations for the sixth edition of the Kip Keino Classic Continental Gold Tour, the experienced athletics administrator said they are doing everything possible to ensure they host another successful event at Nyayo Stadium on May 31, 2025.

“We are getting ready, we had technical officials from Europe last week, and they checked everything to make sure that we have all the equipment ready for Kip Keino Classic. In fact, they were looking at the electronic timing machine and the state of the stadium. They were satisfied, though there are some things they have told us to buy,” said Korir.

“But the most important one is the tartan track which we are working on, and the government is moving very fast to ensure the tartan is replaced before Kip Keino Classic. We also went to Ulinzi Sports Complex so that in case of anything, we have an option. The only thing remaining there is the certification of the track.”