The struggle to meet daily expenses is pushing some young athletes into exploitative relationships, a leading athletics coach has warned.
Coach Elkanah Ruto said the financial challenges facing many upcoming athletes have created opportunities for exploitation by coaches, fellow athletes and wealthy individuals commonly known as sponsors.
“Most of these athletes come from humble backgrounds. When they lack money for food, accommodation and other necessities, they become vulnerable to people who offer support with hidden intentions,” said Ruto.
Speaking at a seminar for coaches and athletes’ managers in Iten, he called on parents to remain actively involved in supporting their children even after they join training camps.
According to Ruto, financial support from families can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation, especially among female athletes.
“Parents should do their best to support their children while they are training. This can help protect them from individuals who take advantage of their financial needs,” he said.
For athletes without financially stable families, Ruto recommended formal agreements between coaches and athletes whenever financial assistance is provided.
“There should be transparency and accountability. A written agreement can help prevent future conflicts and protect both parties,” he said.
The coach further linked some cases of gender-based violence to relationships formed out of financial dependency.
“Some female athletes enter relationships because they need support. Later, when they become successful and want to leave, conflicts arise and can sometimes turn violent,” he noted.
Ruto also urged society to recognize that men can be victims of violence.
“Men also experience violence, but cultural expectations make it difficult for them to report or discuss it openly,” he said.
Meanwhile, Collins Kipkirui of the Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance (CEDGG) said some coaches misuse their influence over athletes.
“The power to determine when and where an athlete competes can be abused. Some vulnerable athletes end up in exploitative relationships because they fear missing opportunities to race and earn income,” he said.
County GBV Coordinator Philemon Kittony identified intimate partner violence and physical assault as the leading forms of gender-based violence reported in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
