Officials from AIU, AK and the government during the launch of the Riadha Connect platform in Eldoret/ HANDOUT
Athletics Kenya (AK) President Jackson Tuwei says the newly launched Riadha Connect platform will strengthen the federation's athlete database by replacing outdated manual systems with a comprehensive digital repository.
Tuwei revealed that the platform will further enable faster, evidence-based decision-making while transforming governance across Kenyan athletics.
The platform, unveiled on Wednesday at the Eldoret Sports Club through a partnership between the government and the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), is designed to centralise athlete management and streamline the administration of the country's athletics ecosystem.
Tuwei described the creation of a comprehensive national database for Kenyan athletes as one of the platform's biggest milestones, saying it will provide AK with verified information and real-time performance data to support efficient planning and service delivery. "One of the platform's most significant achievements is the establishment of a comprehensive national database of Kenyan athletes."
He said the digital repository marks a major departure from fragmented manual systems and will allow the federation to make timely decisions based on accurate and up-to-date records.
"This centralised repository will enable Athletics Kenya to make timely, evidence-based decisions using verified information and real-time performance data, replacing outdated manual systems with accurate digital records."
Tuwei, who also serves as World Athletics vice president, said Riadha Connect goes beyond building a national database by integrating athletes and their support personnel into one secure platform that simplifies administration and enhances accountability.
"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," Tuwei said.
He noted that bringing these services together under one roof would create a more coordinated and responsive athletics ecosystem that serves both athletes and administrators.
"By consolidating these critical functions, we are creating a more coordinated and responsive athletics ecosystem that serves the needs of athletes and administrators alike."
According to Tuwei, athletes will benefit from faster and more efficient access to essential services without the burden of excessive paperwork and fragmented administrative procedures.
"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.
The platform also introduces a structured registration and verification framework for Athlete Support Personnel, including coaches, managers, medical personnel and other officials, ensuring only qualified, accredited and accountable professionals operate within Kenya's athletics environment.
"For coaches, managers, medical personnel and other Athlete Support Personnel, the platform introduces a structured registration and verification framework that ensures only qualified, accredited and accountable professionals operate within our athletics environment."
Beyond improving service delivery, Tuwei said the Athlete Hub will strengthen governance by digitally managing relationships between athletes and their support personnel through mutual consent, secure record-keeping and enhanced protection of personal data.
"The Athlete Hub also strengthens governance by providing transparent digital management of relationships between athletes and their support personnel through mutual consent, secure record-keeping and enhanced protection of individual rights and personal data."
"These measures reinforce trust, accountability and professionalism across the entire athletics community," he stated.
Thomas Capdevielle, Head of Testing and Compliance at AIU, said he was impressed with Kenya's stride.
"Kenya's system matters greatly to us at the AIU. We have spent three years working closely with Athletics Kenya (AK), ADAK, and the Government. We are truly impressed with this platform.
He noted that the platform will address a big gap in identifying Kenya's large pool of athletes.
"Initiated in 2019, the platform addressed a critical gap as Kenya lacked a comprehensive system to identify its many talented road runners and marathoners. This database was urgently needed."
"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."
Sports PS Elijah Mwangi backed the platform, hailing it as a bold statement of Kenyan athletics to embrace the future.
"The Athlete 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."
"As Government, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting reforms that strengthen governance, uphold integrity, empower athletes and position Kenya as a global leader not only in sporting excellence, but also in sports administration."
