Divisions emerge after postponement of Kenya Volleyball Federation polls

GSU's Cornelius Kiplagat (left) and Captain Emmanuel Kogo playing against KDF's Nelson Bitok during KVF League at Nyayo National stadium on Sunday, Feb 14, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Central Rift branch has pointed an accusing finger at the national office for allegedly orchestrating the postponement of the branch elections slated for Saturday across the country.

"The federation gave fishy reasons as the reason to postpone the elections, which was against the resolutions passed at the annual general meeting," said KVF Central Rift branch secretary John Odhiambo.

"National Executive Committee (NEC) does not have the mandate to alter resolutions passed by the AGM and postponement of the elections contravenes the AGM's resolutions.

"The election stakes are high and the delays are sending wrong signals. There are several camps, which have been pulling to their sides ahead of the annual general meeting but what we want is a smooth transition."

Federation secretary general Ben Juma said the elections were shelved as most of the branches have not complied with the Sports Act 2013 and the registration of the newly amended constitution is yet to be done.

Odhiambo, who is also the team trainer of the Baringo Technical Training College volleyball team, noted with concern that the Registrar of Sports does not deal in registration of federation's constitutions but only register associations.

"The second schedule of the Sports Act number 25 of 2013 (revised in 2019) outlines what the Sports Registrar should look for in the constitution of any sports organisation seeking registration. The Sports Registrar Regulations, 2016 states that: "A sports person or organisation that amends any of its particulars shall notify the Registrar within fourteen days of the change of particulars. No mention of registration of the amended particulars," said Odhiambo.

He said KVF's task was to notify the Sports Registrar of the existence of the amended constitution.

Odhiambo said it was the duty of the federation to follow-up with the Sports Registrar to confirm on the duly registered members. [Ernest Ndunda]