Kenya’s National Parallel Athletics Team Raises Allowance Concerns Ahead of World Championships

Kenya’s National Parallel Athletics Team Raises Allowance Concerns Ahead of World Championships

The National Para Athletics team is all set to represent Kenya at the upcoming World Championships in Parallel Athletics in China, which will also serve as the first qualifying event for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, USA. However, their preparations have been clouded by concerns over allowances, with the athletes expressing dissatisfaction over the rates paid by the government.
The athletes are demanding higher allowances, citing the disparity between what they currently receive and the amounts given to other national teams. Specifically, they are pushing to be paid at the same rates enjoyed by Kenya’s athletics team that clinched seven gold medals at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. The Tokyo-bound team had their allowances increased following a presidential directive aimed at boosting their morale during the global event.
In response, the Ministry of Sports has clarified that the allowances given to the team are in line with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) rates, which apply to all national teams. The ministry further noted that any adjustments must await the outcome of SRC’s ongoing review, after which a new circular with revised rates for future championships will be issued.
Despite the allowances dispute, the athletes remain focused on the task ahead as they seek to make a strong start in their journey to the 2028 Paralympics.

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By Jesline Ongubo

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The author is an experienced radio journalist and media manager.