Gold in Benin, Silence in Nairobi: Kelvin Kiarie’s lonely triumph angers Kenyans over lack of Gov't support

Kiarie has just bagged two medals and taken the first position in the April 2026 International Skating Challenge in Cotonou, Benin.

But there were no ministry officials, no flag-bearers, and no corporate sponsors draping him in branded gear. There was only Kiarie, his board, and the stark reality that his victory was achieved despite—not because of—the support structure in his home country.

While the Ministry of Youth, Creative Economy and Sports allocated Ksh.13.5 billion to the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund for the 2025/26 financial year, Kiarie’s journey to Benin was self-funded, a common plight for those practising so-called "lifestyle" sports.

His triumph quickly ignited a fierce national conversation about the systemic abandonment of non-traditional athletes in Kenya.

Kiarie's victory was not merely a story of one athlete’s success; it was an indictment of a sporting bureaucracy that prioritises medal-heavy disciplines while leaving thousands of young, creative talents to fend for themselves.

The mechanics of Kiarie’s victory were entirely private. Without a national federation robust enough to provide travel stipends, logistical support, or even basic insurance for athletes travelling abroad, Kiarie relied on personal savings and, in many cases, kind contributions from fellow skaters.

In Benin, Kiarie moved mountains, gliding his way around, displaying jaw-dropping skating dexterity and knocking down seasoned skaters, all without the support of government, or even a whisper from social media.

In footage seen by Citizen Digital, Kiarie celebrated alone, skating around the arena while carrying the Kenyan flag. 

Dressed in a white and blue jersey with black and white pants, he emotionally expressed pride in his performance and unlikely victory.

"Hello Kenyans! I just did it! It is gold for Kenya. I am in Benin, West Africa, and I am so proud to represent my country. Thank you!" he said.

Pausing tearfully as he took in the moment, he later added while seated under a blue umbrella, "I am so excited for my results. It has been a very fierce fight, not only in the competition but also in being here itself. It was a very serious fight, super proud of myself. If I had to do it again, I would for my country."

The award-winning skater thanked his family and supporters for standing by him throughout the competition.

"For my parents, family and people who supported me, thank you so much. The last thing I would want to do is reach a breaking point. And God is grateful," he said.

The skating star revealed he had won silver the previous day before securing gold, adding that he hopes to compete in the next event set to be held in Egypt.

"By the will of God, we will do it again in Egypt next month. Thank you," he signed off.

The young skater's incredible success quickly seeped into the Kenyan internet, with Kenyans taking to their social media pages to celebrate him, congratulate his wins and wonder why he was not accorded any support, or why the Ministry of Sports did not seem to care about this monumental victory for Kenya.

His arrival back into the country was also marked by loneliness and a rather dull reception, as he walked around the JKIA terminals, the Kenyan flag proudly draped over his back. 

"Despite the obviously patriotic show and the lack of funds, Kiarie still proved himself, put on a show for Kenya, flew the flag high and brought glory back to his homeland. But the Cabinet Secretary for Sports hasn't even said a word. No one in government has congratulated him. A fitting metaphor of a government that pretends to care for the youth!" Derrick Gikunda wrote on X.

Nyto Mwangi wrote: "I hope he will be recognized and honored by the Government for his outstanding achievement. Last year, he participated in an even bigger international competition in Singapore, but emerged 4th. He didn’t have proper gear, which was quite embarrassing. He didn’t even have a coach and had to ask the Benin coach to sit beside him."

Marketing Executive Nyandia Gachago also weighed in, writing, "I need more brands to lift these brilliant Kenyan Kids up further yaani. Kenyans are doing incredible in the sports and creative arts fields but have little to no support and it’s utterly heartbreaking. Patriotism has many faces. One of them is in supporting local talent to the very end and beyond."

On her part, Diana Mboi said: "Seeing him stand alone during the opening ceremony with a home made placard broke my heart so bad. He fundraised for himself to go for this competition, beat such insurmountable odds to win this. Kenya can kill your spirit."

Bouyed by Kiarie's defining victory, the Nairobi skating community on Monday, April 7, flooded the streets of Nairobi in a thunderous show of support and celebration of one of their own as they elegantly skated their way down the streets, filling the air with a palpable din of pride and jubilation.

Besides being a skating star, Kiarie is also an active citizen who has been actively involved in the politics of his area (Roysambu). He has also hinted at seeking the constituency's parliamentary seat in 2027.