Standard Media
On Thursday, Athletics Kenya (AK) released a one-month report from a consultative forum with athletes across the country, where they visited 15 regions.
The shocking report details how unscrupulous coaches and managers have had many careers nipped in the bud through unwanted pregnancies and early marriages. Most of the cases are reported in training zones in Ngong, Kisii and Iten.
That some young female athletes are forced into sexual relations with their coaches and managers is a worrying trend in our athletics industry.
It’s a pity that those charged with the responsibility of nurturing these young talents for the nation prey on them. It is hard to accept that this is a widespread matter. When these young girls shared their chilling experiences, the report indicated, some of their complains were heart-rendering and require prompt investigations from authorities.
We understand that apart from sexual exploitation, these unscrupulous coaches and managers disappear with the athletes’ winnings. The situation has not been helped by the fact that most of these junior athletes hail from poor backgrounds and are desperately in need of a helping hand, which provides these wolves in sheep clothing with an opportunity…
