In a significant step towards safeguarding athletes, Athletics Kenya (AK), in collaboration with the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) and Equity Bank, has launched a toll-free hotline, 1195, to support athletes affected by gender-based violence (GBV). This service aims to provide a direct line of assistance to athletes facing abuse, part of a larger push to create safer spaces within Kenya’s sports community.
The hotline, officially launched in Nairobi, offers athletes a free, confidential platform to report abuse or send an SOS message at any hour. By removing financial barriers, it ensures that any athlete in danger or distress has immediate access to help without cost concerns. This initiative comes as a response to the rising cases of GBV in the sports sector, highlighting the need for resources dedicated to athlete safety.
Viridiana Wasike, Director of Fund Management Services at NGAAF, stressed the hotline’s importance as a tool to help athletes who may feel isolated or powerless. “With this toll-free line, anyone in need can seek help without paying a fee,” she explained. “We’ve also implemented a chatbot feature, allowing athletes to send messages whenever they are facing GBV or find themselves in a dangerous situation.” Wasike urged the broader community to address GBV openly, calling for collective efforts to support victims and promote change.
“Gender-based violence affects all of us, directly or indirectly,” Wasike said. “We all know someone who has been impacted by GBV. Let’s lend our voices to this campaign and work together to create a culture where everyone feels safe.”
AK’s Chief Administrative Officer, Susan Kamau, echoed the urgency of addressing GBV within sports, likening it to their ongoing fight against doping. “Just as we are committed to eliminating doping, we are equally dedicated to eradicating GBV from the world of athletics,” Kamau stated. She encouraged athletes experiencing abuse to reach out directly to AK’s offices, reassuring them that specific personnel have been assigned to handle cases confidentially.
The hotline launch also marks the beginning of a week-long engagement campaign led by the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage, which will engage athletes across Kenya to raise awareness of GBV, offer educational resources, and provide an open forum for athletes to share their experiences. The program aims to inspire resilience and underscore the importance of a supportive network for athletes facing GBV.
Recent high-profile cases have cast a harsh spotlight on GBV within Kenya’s sports community, raising national and international concern. Ugandan marathon record holder and Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei tragically lost her life to GBV in Kenya in September, allegedly set ablaze by her estranged partner. In another devastating incident, Kenyan Olympian and world record holder Agnes Tirop was fatally stabbed, with her estranged husband charged in her murder. These tragedies have underscored the need for urgent action to protect athletes, particularly female athletes who may be vulnerable to violence.
The toll-free hotline is part of Athletics Kenya’s broader strategy to build a supportive environment in which athletes feel empowered to seek help. Kamau reiterated AK’s commitment to making GBV prevention and response a central part of their mission. “We’re creating a foundation for meaningful change by ensuring athletes have a safe and dedicated channel to reach out. No one should feel alone in this fight,” she emphasized.
The initiative calls on everyone involved in sports – from athletes and coaches to fans – to stand against GBV and support this movement toward a safer sports culture. Athletics Kenya hopes this hotline will foster a community that prioritizes athlete welfare, resilience, and mutual respect. Through continued efforts, AK aims to build a sports environment free from violence, where all athletes can thrive without fear.
