Ruto hails Kelvin Kiarie on African Skating Championship glory amid lack of support
By Joel Masibo, May 3, 2026Kenya’s sporting landscape continues to diversify beyond its traditional athletics dominance, following a remarkable achievement by young skateboarder Kelvin Kiarie, who recently clinched gold at the African Skating Championship in Cairo, Egypt.
In a statement celebrating the milestone on Sunday, May 3, 2026, President William Ruto lauded the athlete’s triumph, describing it as a proud moment for both the individual and the nation, despite Kiarie privately financing his trips for international competitions, where he has in many occasion flown the national flag high.
“Well done Kelvin Kiarie on winning gold at the African Skating Championship in Cairo, Egypt. This is a proud moment for you and for our nation,” Ruto said.
Kiarie’s victory marks a significant breakthrough for Kenya in skateboarding, a sport still in its developmental stages locally but rapidly gaining traction among urban youth. His continental success signals the country’s growing presence in non-traditional sporting disciplines and highlights the untapped potential within emerging talents.
Kiarie’s consistency
The latest victory in Cairo comes weeks after Kiarie mounted the winners’ podium in Benin as the Kenyan national anthem echoed across an almost deserted venue, marking his individual skateboarding gold triumph at the April 2026 International Skating Challenge held in Cotonou, Benin. Kiarie’s financial burden, perhaps, is due to the absence of a functional skating federation in the country.
On Sunday, Ruto went on to commend the skater’s determination and influence, noting that his journey serves as motivation for aspiring athletes across Kenya and the wider African continent.
“You have conquered the continent and your journey is an inspiration to many aspiring sportsmen and women in Kenya and Africa,” he added.
The president further expressed confidence in Kiarie’s future, projecting greater achievements on the global stage.
Global stage
Ruto also expressed confidence in the athlete, saying that he set for global showdown. “I am confident that your talent, drive, and competitive spirit will carry you further onto the global stage.”
Kiarie’s gold medal arguably cements his place among Africa’s top skateboarders, as well as elevating Kenya’s profile in the sport.
As the country celebrates this milestone, the spotlight now shifts to how stakeholders can support and nurture such talent to ensure sustained success internationally.
“Congratulations, and keep flying our flag high,” Ruto concluded, as the public calls for Kelvin Kiarie’s national recognition.