Athletics Kenya (AK) has launched Riadha Connect, a comprehensive digital platform designed to transform the administration of athletics by improving governance, streamlining service delivery and enhancing athlete management.
The platform, unveiled on Wednesday at the Eldoret Sports Club, was developed through a partnership involving the Government and the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). It brings together key functions, including athlete registration, competition management, Athlete Support Personnel records and performance tracking, in a single centralised digital system.
AK President Jackson Tuwei described the initiative as a major milestone that will simplify access to services while strengthening accountability across Kenyan athletics.
“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,” said Tuwei.
He said integrating the various services into one platform would make athletics administration more efficient for both athletes and officials.
“By consolidating these critical functions, we are creating a more coordinated and responsive athletics ecosystem that serves the needs of athletes and administrators alike.
“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 process for coaches, managers, medical personnel and other Athlete Support Personnel, ensuring that only accredited professionals are allowed to operate within the sport.
According to Tuwei, the Athlete Hub, one of the platform's flagship features, will strengthen governance by improving transparency, accountability and the secure management of interactions between athletes and their support teams.
“These measures reinforce trust, accountability and professionalism across the entire athletics community,” he said.
A key component of Riadha Connect is the creation of a national digital database of Kenyan athletes. The system replaces manual record-keeping with verified athlete profiles and real-time performance data to support informed decision-making.
“This centralised repository will enable AK to make timely, evidence-based decisions using verified information and real-time performance data,” Tuwei said.
The AIU hailed the platform as an important step towards strengthening athlete management and anti-doping efforts in Kenya.
AIU Head of Testing and Compliance Thomas Capdevielle said the initiative was the result of three years of collaboration between the AIU, Athletics Kenya, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) and the Government.
“Initiated in 2019, the platform addressed a critical gap. Kenya lacked a comprehensive system to identify its many talented road runners and marathoners. This database was urgently needed,” said Capdevielle.
He added that the platform would help protect the integrity of athletics while supporting Kenya's anti-doping programme.
“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,” he said.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said the launch reflected Kenya's commitment to embracing technology to improve sports administration and athlete welfare.
“Riadha 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,” said Mwangi.
He reaffirmed the Government's commitment to supporting reforms that promote integrity, strengthen governance, empower athletes and position Kenya as a global leader in sports administration, alongside its long-standing success on the track.
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