Online outrage after skater Kiarie's fundraising video resurfaces

A resurfaced video of Kenyan skater Kevin Kiarie appealing for financial support has ignited fresh debate over the state of sports funding in the country, even as he returns home a champion.

In the video, recorded days before his departure to Benin, Kiarie is seen making a heartfelt plea to Kenyans to help him raise Sh65,000 to cover his flight ticket and accommodation for the International Skating Challenge in Cotonou.

He explains that despite his determination to represent the country, financial constraints had left him stranded.

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“I am making this video to ask Kenyans to support me. I’ll be going to Benin to represent you guys. I went to Singapore; I sponsored myself, and also on this one, I was ready to sponsor myself, but I am overwhelmed,” he says.

Kiarie further reveals that he had previously financed his trip to Singapore out of pocket, a move that left him in debt. With limited resources and existing financial obligations, he notes that borrowing again to facilitate his trip to Benin was proving difficult.

The skater also points to systemic challenges within the sport, stating that although a Kenyan skating federation exists, it has not received funding from the Ministry of Sports despite repeated appeals.

His remarks highlight the struggles faced by athletes in lesser-funded disciplines who often rely on personal resources or public goodwill to compete internationally.

The video has since sparked widespread reactions online, with many Kenyans expressing frustration and disappointment at what they perceive as neglect of emerging sports.

Some social media users blamed the lack of visibility for Kiarie’s plight.

“I blame TikTok for not letting this video go viral,” read one comment, suggesting that earlier traction could have helped him secure support in time.

Others expressed regret at discovering his appeal too late.

“Pole bro, we failed you; we’ve seen it late,” wrote another user, apologising for not stepping in sooner.

The conversation also turned critical of authorities, with some questioning the role of the Ministry of Sports.

One user sarcastically remarked, “Ama wanadhani skating iko Ministry of transport," loosely translating to, “Or do they think skating falls under the Transport Ministry?”

Despite the challenges, Kiarie went on to defy the odds. The video resurfaced just days after he returned to Kenya, having won a gold medal at the International Skating Challenge held in Cotonou, Benin, from April 1 to April 5.

Notably, he achieved the feat without the support of a coach or any official from the Kenyan Federation of Roller Skating, further amplifying concerns about institutional backing for athletes in niche sports.

Following his victory, some Kenyans have called for renewed efforts to support him financially, particularly in settling debts incurred during his previous competitions.

“Since he is back, we can still help him settle the unpaid debts. That will be the best thing to honour him as Kenyans,” suggested one commenter.

In response to the growing public outcry, Ministry of Sports Director Caroline Amondi stated that Kiarie had not formally requested assistance from the ministry.

She explained that government funding is contingent upon official applications, the status of the relevant federation, and the availability of resources.

Kiarie has since expressed his determination to build on his success, promising to deliver even better results in his next competition scheduled to take place in Egypt.

His story, however, continues to fuel a broader conversation about the gaps in Kenya’s sports funding framework and the resilience of athletes who persevere despite limited support.