By Athletics Kenya Media Team
Athletics Kenya (AK) has ushered in a new era of digital transformation following the launch of the Riadha Connect platform, a landmark initiative designed to streamline service delivery, strengthen governance and modernise the management of athletics across the country.
The platform, unveiled on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the Eldoret Sports Club, is the product of a partnership between the Government and the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
AK President Jackson Tuwei described the integrated platform as a game-changer that will bring athletes and their support personnel under one secure digital ecosystem.
“Through this integrated platform, we are bringing together athlete registration, Athlete Support Personnel management, competition administration, performance monitoring, training camp oversight, visa facilitation services and governance reporting into a single, secure and centralised system,” said Tuwei.
Tuuwei who doubles up as the World Athletics Vice President said integrating these services would create a more coordinated and responsive athletics ecosystem.
“By consolidating these critical functions, we are creating a more coordinated and responsive athletics ecosystem that serves the needs of athletes and administrators alike.
For our athletes, this means faster, simpler and more efficient access to essential services without the burden of fragmented procedures or excessive paperwork,” he added.
How coaches, athlete support personnel will benefit from Riadha Connect
He noted that coaches, managers, medical personnel and other Athlete Support Personnel will also benefit from a structured registration and verification framework that ensures only qualified and accredited professionals operate within Kenyan athletics.
Tuwei said the Athlete Hub, a key feature of the platform, would enhance governance by promoting transparency, accountability and secure digital management of relationships between athletes and their support personnel.
“These measures reinforce trust, accountability and professionalism across the entire athletics community,” he said.
One of the platform’s most significant milestones is the creation of a comprehensive national database of Kenyan athletes, replacing outdated manual systems with verified digital records and real-time performance data.
“This centralised repository will enable AK to make timely, evidence-based decisions using verified information and real-time performance data,” Tuwei said.
Thomas Capdevielle, the AIU’s head of Testing and Compliance, praised Kenya for taking a major step in modernising athletics administration after three years of collaboration with AK, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) and the Government.
“Initiated in 2019, the platform addressed a critical gap. Kenya lacked a comprehensive system to identify its many talented road runners and marathoners. This database was urgently needed,” said Capdevielle.
He added that the platform would strengthen anti-doping efforts while safeguarding the integrity of the sport.
“We are partnering with AK to strengthen anti-doping efforts in Kenya. This is a major step forward for the sport’s credibility, both locally and internationally.
The system goes beyond anti-doping. Over time, its full value will become evident as Kenya demonstrates global leadership in protecting the athletics ecosystem,” he said.
Significance of Riadha Connect
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi described the launch as a defining moment for Kenyan athletics and a clear demonstration of the country’s commitment to digital transformation.
“Riadha Connect represents a bold statement that Kenyan sport is ready to embrace the future; a future where technology enhances efficiency, data drives decisions, transparency strengthens trust, and athletes receive the quality of service they deserve,” said Mwangi.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting reforms that strengthen governance, uphold integrity, empower athletes and position Kenya as a global leader in both sporting excellence and sports administration.
