The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports has explained why Kenyan skater Kevin Kiarie Ruhiu missed the World Skate Games in Asunción, Paraguay, amid a dispute over visa and travel support.
The Ministry said Kiarie’s initial travel itinerary had already lapsed by the time officials began handling his request for assistance.
Kiarie had sought Government intervention over a Panama transit visa that was required for his planned journey to Paraguay.
He had earlier said he already had a Paraguayan visa and had applied for the Panama transit visa in August, but needed Government intervention because Panama does not have a resident embassy in Kenya.
The Ministry said it became aware of his concerns through a video he posted on social media and Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi directed the Directorate of Sports to immediately engage him.
According to the Ministry, Director of Sports Dr Bernard Ouma contacted Kiarie, who explained that his booked route required him to transit through Panama.
The Ministry said the matter had to be handled through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the relevant Panamanian diplomatic channels.
“As Panama does not maintain a resident embassy in Kenya, the matter required facilitation through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the appropriate Panamanian diplomatic channels,” the Ministry said.
Officials also advised Kiarie to consider an alternative route that would avoid the Panama transit visa requirement.
He was asked to provide an updated itinerary to allow the Ministry to determine the most practical way of assisting him.
However, the Ministry said the itinerary initially provided by the athlete was for October 2 and had already expired.
“Despite subsequent follow-up, an updated itinerary, necessary to progress either the diplomatic or alternative travel intervention, was not provided by Kevin,” the Ministry said.
The World Skate Games began in Paraguay on October 2 and run until October 18, bringing together athletes competing in various roller sports disciplines.
Kiarie had been listed to compete in the senior men’s freestyle slalom competition and had described the event as an important opportunity after a successful season.
On Tuesday, Kiarie confirmed that he would not compete at the Games, saying he had exhausted the options available to him.
“It’s unfortunate we shall not make it to the World Championship 2026. I’ve tried everything within my control. We were not accorded the appropriate support despite my efforts,” he said.
The Ministry, however, maintained that it had taken steps to assist him and had also advised him to avoid the Panama route because of the urgency of his travel.
It further said Kiarie had previously benefited from Government support for international competitions, including the Africa Skating Championships in Egypt.
The Ministry also said his cash award entitlements from the Benin International Challenge and the Africa Skating Championships had been fully paid.
Kiarie has since challenged the Ministry’s account, accusing officials of making false claims about the support he received.
The dispute comes after what had been a successful 2026 season for Kiarie, who won medals in international competitions and earned qualification for the World Skate Games.
The Ministry said it remains committed to supporting Kiarie and other Kenyan athletes, including those competing in emerging sporting disciplines.
For Kiarie, however, the failure to make it to Paraguay means he will miss an opportunity to compete on the global stage as the World Skate Games enter their competition phase.
