Court directs sports registrar to respond to suit on transparency claims
The High Court Wednesday directed the Kenya Fencing Federation (KFF), the Sports Registrar, and the Principal Secretary for sports Shadrack Mwangi to respond within 14 days to a petition filed by Olympic fencer Alexandra Malika Ndolo.
Justice Chacha Mwita issued the directions on September 2 in a matter where Ndolo accuses the fencing body of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and denying her access to information.
The matter will be mentioned on November 25 for further directions.
Ndolo, who made history as the first Kenyan to qualify for fencing at the Olympic Games and is currently ranked 16th globally, claims she has had to finance her international competitions, including the Paris 2024 Olympics, despite government and international funds being allocated to the federation.
In her petition, Ndolo alleged that while she personally covered expenses such as airfare, accommodation, and support staff, KFF officials prioritized funding their own travel and allowances.
She further claimed the federation has refused to reimburse her or provide audited financial statements, records of funds received from the International Fencing Federation, or details of government disbursements.
“Despite numerous attempts to seek clarity and collaboration with the 1″ Respondent, the Petitioner was met with hostility, non-responsiveness, and arbitrary decision-making that culminated in exclusionary practices, including being deliberately omitted from communications regarding competition logistics, team selections, or access to government and donor funds disbursed to the Federation,” read the court documents.
Through her lawyers, Ndolo sought several court orders, including declarations that her rights under Articles 35 and 47 of the Constitution have been violated, reimbursement of expenses incurred, and full disclosure of financial records.
She also wanted the Sports Registrar and the Principal Secretary compelled to audit KFF’s governance and finances, and to enforce compliance with the Sports Act.
The petitioner alleged that the federation lacks proper mechanism for protection of minors in the sport, including lack of child safeguarding policies, medical support systems and transparent selection and grievances procedures for junior fencers.
She further claimed the KFF has imposed arbitrary restrictions on athletes, including preventing them from switching personal coaches, without justification or regulatory framework.
“This violates athlete autonomy and disrupts career progression,” said Ndolo.