Kenyan skating champion Kevin Kiarie Ruhiu has challenged the Sports Ministry’s account of his failed trip to Paraguay, denying that the government has consistently funded his international competitions.
The dispute erupted in October 2026 after Kiarie missed the 2026 World Skate Games in Asunción, Paraguay, where he was expected to represent Kenya.
Kiarie says a lack of financial and logistical support contributed to his withdrawal. The Ministry, however, insists it took steps to help him overcome visa and travel challenges.
Ministry Explains Its Position
On October 7, 2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports defended its handling of Kiarie’s travel arrangements.
Officials said they attempted to resolve his visa challenges but encountered problems with the travel itinerary he had submitted.
According to the Ministry, Kiarie’s initial itinerary was for October 2, meaning it had already lapsed when officials began processing his request.
The Ministry further said it asked the skater to provide an updated itinerary. Officials wanted to explore alternative flight routes that would avoid the need for a restrictive Panama transit visa.
The Ministry claimed Kiarie did not provide the updated schedule. Officials also pointed to previous support, saying they had paid his cash prize entitlements from the Benin International Challenge and the Africa Skating Championships in Egypt.
Kiarie Fires Back
Kiarie has rejected the Ministry’s version of events. Responding on social media, the African champion called the statement “another lie” and maintained that he has never received direct Ministry funding for his international competitions.
He said he relied on personal savings and public crowdfunding to finance previous international appearances, including his African Championship campaign.
Kiarie also alleged that money approved under his name never reached him.
“Truth is, money was approved in my name but had a more hardworking recipient.”
The allegation suggests possible misappropriation of funds, although the claim has not been independently established.
A Season Cut Short
Kiarie’s failure to travel to Paraguay brought his 2026 international season to an early end. The controversy has since drawn attention to the difficulties athletes in emerging sports face when seeking government funding, travel assistance and official recognition.
For now, the Ministry maintains that it attempted to help, while Kiarie disputes the account and says he has largely funded his international career himself. The conflicting claims have placed Kenya’s sports funding system under renewed scrutiny.
