NAIROBI, Kenya, October 18 – Kenyan swimmers can now heave a huge sigh of relief after the World Aquatic announced that the ban on the country has been lifted with immediate effect.
In a letter addressed to Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK) secretary general Francis Mutuku confirmed communication from the world governing body that Kenya is no longer a pariah state when it comes to the sport.
“We make reference to the above and notify you that communication from the Vice President, World Aquatics Executive Committee has confirmed that World Aquatics has lifted the ban on Kenya Swimming with immediate effect,” Mutuku said.
He added: “We wish to thank you for your support and guidance in the process. Kenyan swimmers can now fly our flag proudly.”
The news marks the end of a longwinding and frustrating back-and-forth among stakeholders in the industry, going back to 2019 when the country was banished from international competitions following  failure to hold national elections within the October 30 deadline as had been stipulated.
In a case of ‘jumping from the frying pan to the fire’, the country earned an indefinite ban in May last year as wrangles worsened among the stakeholders in the discipline, including the Interim Management Committee (IMC).
It did not also help matters that Kenya failed to hold national elections on two occasions in 2020.
Even as World Aquatics boss Brent Nowicki voiced his frustrations at the lack of headway in negotiations in August this year, CS Namwamba severally vowed to ensure a return to normalcy as the careers of many swimmers threatened to drown into oblivion.
However, with the state of the sport back to still waters, Mutuku warned that the hard work begins now.
“While the ban has been lifted, the hard work starts to ensure compliance with all the requisite laws and regulations. We continue relying on your support in this exercise while the Swimmers are in the pool,” he concluded.
