Barnabas Korir advocating for level playing ground geared towards gender equity in Kenyan athletics

After the conclusion of the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary on August 27, where Kenyan female athletes did better than their male counterparts, critics blamed the trend on the over-empowerment of the girlchild.

However, according to Athletics Kenya Youth Development Chairman Barnabas Korir, equality has been achieved so far, but the federation is working on an inclusive approach to develop both genders.

He traced its roots back to a time when concerted efforts were made to empower the girl child. Over the years, attention and resources flowed towards uplifting the girl child in sports.

The former athlete acknowledged the ongoing and commendable initiatives focused on empowering female athletes, but he underscored that the boychild lagged in terms of support and empowerment. He now advocates for bridging this gender gap.

Tuwei explains what it takes to host an international event in Kenya

"Initially, the female athletes were lagging. The state resources were focused on the girlchild because of the issues that were there before and there was a big gap between the girls and the boys. That has continued for so long, without realizing the effects it has on part of the boys," he started.

The 1991 Bologna Marathon 5000m winner also showed concern that during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Team Kenya had more female athletes than their male counterparts.

Faith Kipyegon who established herself as a woman-army claimed a double-golden victory in the 1500m and 5000m finals. Mary Moraa also joined the golden girls’ category after a scintillating win in the 800m women’s final.

In the silver medal category, Emmanuel Wanyonyi came second in the 800m, while Daniel Simiu Ebenyo emerged as first runner-up in the 10,000m. Beatrice Chepkoech also claimed a silver medal in the women’s 3000m steeplechase.

As far as bronze goes, Faith Cherotich (3000m steeplechase), Beatrice Chebet (5000m), Jacob Krop (5000m), and Abraham Kibiwott (3000m steeplechase) all claimed medals.

In the recently concluded New York Marathon, two-time Olympic medalist for Kenya in the 5,000 meters and the reigning Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri emerged victorious in 2:27:23, as the women claimed the top spots.

Korir pointed out that it started from as low as the camp level, where there are many women in the camps compared to the men.

He was speaking after visiting the Chepkemei, Kapkoimur, Kapsisiwa, Simat, and Lelmolok camps in Nandi County on Monday.

"In some of these camps, we realize that we have more girls than boys. And the success stories are mainly with the girls. For instance, during the World Athletics Championships, most of the medals were from the girls. Even during the Olympics, the focus was mainly on the girls. And the marathon, the women are doing better than the men," he explained.

To actualize his dream, Korir noted that they were encouraging athletics participation at the grassroots level, to ensure that a similar number of both genders are inducted into camps. This would help in balancing the scale that is heavier on the women's side.

"We have to focus on bringing at par the number of male and female athletes. To do that, we select the team and encourage more participation of both genders. Equality has been achieved so far, but we want to make sure there are no detrimental effects on the boys so that they compete together.

Even at the World Athletics level, the officials who are running the event practice gender equality; 50 men and 50 women. We will focus on equality to ensure that both genders are treated equally," he assured.

The Youth Development chair foresees a future where Kenya will shine in both genders.

For Korir, the biggest flex for the country would be earning medals from the youngsters who will compete in the U20 Championships in Lima, Peru in August 2024. That would give birth to a new crop of talents.