The French government has trained 12 coaches who will in turn train an additional 900 coaches in schools across Elgeyo Marakwet County, in an effort to ensure that athletes are handled by professionally certified trainers.
French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet said the initiative is part of France’s commitment to promoting gender equality and safeguarding athletes—especially young girls—from exploitation.
“Training these coaches, six of whom are male, is one way of fighting Gender Based Violence,” Suquet said.
“Both boys and girls must have access to professionally trained coaches. Male coaches must never take advantage of young female athletes. GBV has no place in sports or in society.”
Speaking in Iten, the ambassador added that France would continue supporting organisations that work to eliminate GBV in sports, including the Tirop Angels, founded by athlete Joan Chelimo.
Chelimo welcomed the programme, calling it a major step in strengthening protection for athletes.
“Training coaches is a step in the right direction in the fight against GBV,” she said.
“Athletics Kenya must ensure all coaches are certified. There are many people pretending to be coaches, and some end up abusing female athletes.”
She expressed concern that most female athletes lack professional coaches and instead rely on their husbands, who also take charge of their payments. She noted that some athletes have lost property to their spouses after marital disputes.
“I appeal to AK to sensitise athletes on the need to have agents who will professionally manage their operations,” she said.
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Chelimo further called for the establishment of safe homes where abused athletes can seek refuge, saying many currently run to her organisation for help. She also urged more women to train as physiotherapists, noting that young girls are often abused by male therapists whose services they depend on but cannot afford.
She said Tirop Angels has been able to secure counsellors and advocates to support survivors and follow up on their cases in court. However, she urged the Judiciary to expedite GBV-related cases involving athletes.
“To date, the case involving the murder of Agnes Tirop is yet to be concluded. We demand that the matter be expedited,” she said.
By Kimutai Langat
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