Deputy President William Ruto talks to International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach in New York. Mr Bach asked Kenya to hasten reforms in the National Olympics Committee, Kenya. PHOTO/COURTESY
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 22 – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has asked Kenya to hasten reforms in the National Olympics Committee after being directed to hold an urgent Extraordinary General Assembly to address issues raised over mismanagement of Team Kenya at the Rio Olympics.
IOC President Thomas Bach told Deputy President William Ruto that the organization had agreed to proposals that NOCK be revamped.
He spoke on Thursday when he met Ruto on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“You can reorganize the committee with proper reforms,” he said.
The proposals to revamp NOCK were presented to IOC by the Government two weeks ago with Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Arts, Hassan Wario leading the delegation.
It includes redrafting laws and conducting proper and fresh elections of officials before December 31.
Bach said Kenya’s tradition in Olympics was well documented and respected.
“I congratulate Kenya on its achievement in the Olympics,” he said.
Before calling for an Elective General Assembly to conduct free and fair elections, the current office will report on the outcomes of the joint meeting in Lausanne, address and clarify any issue raised in relation to the management of the NOCK delegation for the Olympic Games, considering the ongoing investigation process.
It was agreed that the Constitution of NOCK be reviewed and submit the proposed amendments to the IOC for approval in accordance with the Olympic Charter.
However, the process leading to the NOCK quadrennial elections must be agreed by all member federations at the General Assembly and conduct the polls in accordance with the newly approved NOCK Constitution.
