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In a historic moment that has stirred excitement within the Kenyan sports community, Francis Mutuku, the Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the presidency of the same organization.
On April 9, 2025, Mutuku submitted his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offices in Nairobi, marking the beginning of what promises to be a transformative campaign for the future of Kenyan sports.
For years, Mutuku has been a key player in the development and management of sports in Kenya. His tenure as Secretary General has seen significant strides in organizing Kenyan athletes, advocating for better facilities, and ensuring that the country’s rich sporting talent receives global recognition.
Now, Mutuku is ready to take the next step, seeking to lead the National Olympic Committee of Kenya through an era of growth, innovation, and collaboration.
His vision for the future of the committee is one grounded in unity, progress, and sustainable growth. In his submission speech, Mutuku emphasized the importance of working closely with all federations to build a cohesive, forward-thinking sports ecosystem.
“Sports in Kenya have a rich history, and our athletes continue to make us proud on the global stage,” Mutuku said. “But we must do more to ensure that every federation, every sport, and every athlete has the support they need to thrive. Together, we can elevate Kenyan sports to unprecedented heights.”
As a candidate, Mutuku is positioning himself as a bridge between the different sporting bodies, government institutions, and corporate sponsors.
He believes that for Kenya to continue to excel in international competitions, there must be better coordination, funding, and development of talent from the grassroots level.
He pledged to prioritize youth development programs, better training facilities, and a more structured approach to talent identification and management.
For many, Mutuku’s candidacy comes as no surprise. His dedication to the NOC-K and his long-standing involvement in Kenyan sports has earned him respect and admiration from many.
Under his leadership, the organization has seen smoother operations and more consistent support for Kenyan athletes.
However, it is his vision of a more inclusive and prosperous future for all federations that has inspired the most hope.
In his campaign message, Mutuku emphasized that he would not be a president for one faction or group but for the entire sporting community.
“If elected, my primary role will be to ensure that every federation, regardless of its size or prominence, has an equal voice and opportunity in shaping the direction of our national sports policy,” he said. “We cannot afford to leave any sport behind, no matter how niche it may seem. Every Kenyan athlete, from the most celebrated runner to the most promising young swimmer, deserves our collective effort to help them succeed.”
Mutuku also made a promise to improve the operational capacity of the National Olympic Committee, saying that he would work towards more transparency, accountability, and better management of resources.
“Our athletes and federations must have the confidence that their needs will be addressed and their concerns will be heard. That is why, under my leadership, we will push for a more robust system of governance and financial oversight.”
As the elections scheduled for April 24, 2025, draw nearer, the sports community is eagerly awaiting the outcome of this crucial leadership contest.
The expectations are high, and with the experience and passion that Francis Mutuku brings to the table, many are hopeful that his vision for the future of Kenyan sports will become a reality.
For the thousands of athletes, coaches, and fans who cheer for Kenya’s success in sports, the future looks promising.
The journey towards the presidency of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya has only just begun, and Francis Mutuku’s campaign is one that embodies the spirit of progress and unity that could take Kenyan sports to the next level.
Written by Daniel Mwendwa
