NOC-K set for major financial windfall following increase in annual solidarity allocation from IOC

National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) is set for a shot in the arm after the International Olympics Committee (IOC) increased its funding to Kenya by 10 percent.

The IOC, whose president Thomas Bach is on a three-day visit to Kenya, has increased its annual solidarity allocation to Kenya to $650 million (Ksh83.5 billion) aimed at bolstering athlete-centered programmes and strengthening sports development in the country.

Bach said this after meeting sports federation heads in Nairobi on Friday while stressing the need for the fund to support athletes to boost performance at major events.

IOC President Thomas Bach has encouraged African countries to express interest in hosting the Olympic Games from 2036 onwards, emphasising the continent's potential and the IOC's reforms to make hosting more affordable.

“We will strengthen these supports and this cooperation with you because we have been able to increase our Olympic solidarity budget run by Kenyans,” said Bach.

“As I said, we could increase the budget by 10 percent, up to $650 million. This gives us the opportunity to enhance athlete-centered programmes and human-centered initiatives.”

The German also urged Kenya to ensure they put in the necessary efforts to increase the country’s medal count at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics after managing 11 at the Paris 2024 Games.

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“This afternoon, we invited some of our national federations and affiliates. Together, we form the core of our movement. It was a very productive and engaging session aimed at strengthening this platform, which is crucial for sports development in Kenya,” he went on.

The IOC boss, whose term will end in June 2024, also waded into the issue of doping, which has proved a major challenge for Kenya and offered to support the fight against the vice.

He promised to help lobby for increased funding to the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) to President William Ruto during their meeting at State House Nairobi on Friday.

Kenyan marathoner Hellen Obiri has revealed how moving to the United States has become a major source of motivation for her given the way she gets treated well by Americans.

ADAK raised concerns last month over budget cuts that they feel will adversely affect Kenya’s fight against doping.