Joy riders: We will trim team bound for London, says Haron Komen

Acting Commissioner for Refugees Affairs Mr. Haron Komen addressing the press on refugee repatriation at his office,Nairobi on 22/05/15. PICTURE BY GOVEDI ASUTSA.

Not all the 104 athletes and officials who have sought visas will travel to the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships to be held in London from August 4 to 12, the Ministry of Sports has said.

Haron Komen, the Director of Administration at the Ministry said they will reduce the number.

“No cause for alarm, my friend. We will not allow 47 officials to travel using Government money. And even if they will use their money, we will still not allow. They must utilise funds they receive from sponsors well.

“I am in the list but I will not travel. We will have a lean team of officials. We will stick to the rule of six athletes for one official. So, just do the math from the 57 athletes.

“Again, there is a big challenge with our athletes. Most of them have not complied with anti-doping rules. They have not been tested and they might end up being dropped.

“Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) is very serious on this matter. They will leave nothing to chance. So expect some athletes to be dropped,” Komen said.

Athletes must undergo four out-of-competition tests before next month’s IAAF World Athletics Championships.

“Most athletes leave the camp in Kasarani without informing officials about their whereabouts. So, Adak find it difficult to test them. It’s a serious issue,” said a team official who declined to be named. [Jonathan Komen]