Ministry of Sports Clarifies Visa Support for Skater Kevin Kiarie After Missing World Skate Games 

The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports has issued a clarification regarding its support for Kenyan skater Kevin Kiarie Ruhiu, following concerns he raised about his visa process and travel arrangements for the World Skate Games ASU26 in Asunción, Paraguay.

Kiarie had been expected to compete at the games, scheduled for 2–18 October 2026. However, his participation did not proceed after travel documentation issues, including a required transit visa through Panama, were not resolved in time.

In a statement, the Ministry acknowledged Kiarie’s concerns, which came to its attention through a video shared on social media in which the athlete appealed for intervention from Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi.

According to the statement, the Principal Secretary directed the Directorate of Sports to engage Kiarie immediately, establish the circumstances surrounding his travel and visa requirements, and provide the necessary administrative support.

Director of Sports Dr. Bernard Ouma subsequently contacted Kiarie, who indicated that his booked itinerary required transit through Panama and that he needed assistance securing the necessary transit visa documentation. 

Because Panama does not maintain a resident embassy in Kenya, the matter required facilitation through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and appropriate Panamanian diplomatic channels. The Ministry noted that the issue arose over a weekend, and the Directorate began preparing the necessary official correspondence to expedite the request at the earliest opportunity.

Kiarie was advised to consider alternative routes that would avoid the Panama transit visa requirement. He was asked to provide an updated itinerary so the Ministry could determine and facilitate the most practical intervention.

However, the itinerary initially presented by Kiarie was for travel on 2 October and had already lapsed by the time the Directorate was handling the matter. Despite subsequent follow-up, the Ministry said an updated itinerary necessary to progress either the diplomatic or alternative travel intervention was not provided.

The Ministry clarified that visa facilitation and international travel interventions involving foreign missions are undertaken through established government and diplomatic procedures. Successful and timely intervention therefore depends on early engagement and the provision of complete and valid travel documentation.

It further noted that Kiarie has previously benefited from government support for international competitions, including the Africa Skating Championships in Egypt, while his cash award entitlements from the Benin International Challenge and Africa Skating Championships were fully paid.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to supporting Kiarie and all Kenyan athletes across both established and emerging sporting disciplines. “The Ministry remains available to engage Kevin constructively and will continue working with the skating fraternity to strengthen the sport and expand opportunities for Kenyan athletes,” the statement concluded.