Nairobi: An Iten-based athlete’s coach, Elkanah Ruto, has called on parents to financially support young athletes, especially females, while in training to cushion them from exploitation by fellow athletes, coaches, and other men.
According to Kenya News Agency, Coach Ruto highlighted the financial challenges faced by many upcoming athletes from humble backgrounds, which often force them to rely on exploitative men, referred to as ‘sponsors,’ to meet their daily expenses. Speaking at a seminar for athlete’s managers and coaches in Iten, Ruto suggested that athletes without financially capable parents should formalize a contract with their coaches, outlining financial arrangements during training.
Ruto expressed concern over young female athletes entering relationships for financial support, leading to potential violence when they attempt to exit these relationships as they mature. He noted that gender-based violence (GBV) affects men as well, who often remain silent due to cultural norms, and emphasized the need for increased awareness to combat the issue.
Collins Kipkirui, a programme assistant at the Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance (CEDGG), organized the seminar and raised concerns about coaches exploiting their power by controlling race participation, thereby pressuring athletes into relationships for favors. Kipkirui explained that athletes, eager to earn money and support their families, might feel compelled to comply with such demands.
Philemon Kittony, the GBV county coordinator, reported that intimate partner and physical violence are the most prevalent GBV cases in the county.
