By GPC Sports Correspondent
The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports has responded to concerns raised by Kenyan skater Kevin Kiarie Ruhiu over his visa and travel arrangements for the World Skate Games ASU26 in Asunción, Paraguay.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry said it took note of concerns raised by Ruhiu regarding his intended participation in the games, which ran from October 2 to 18, 2026.
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The Ministry described Ruhiu as an accomplished athlete who has represented Kenya with distinction and contributed to the growth and visibility of skating in the country.
It said Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi directed the Directorate of Sports to immediately engage the athlete after becoming aware of his concerns through a video he shared on social media seeking the Ministry’s intervention.
“The Principal Secretary directed the Directorate of Sports to immediately engage him, establish the circumstances surrounding his travel and visa requirements, and provide the necessary administrative support,” the Ministry said.
According to the Ministry, Director of Sports Dr Bernard Ouma subsequently contacted Ruhiu, who indicated that his booked itinerary required him to transit through Panama and that he needed assistance obtaining the necessary transit visa documentation.
The Ministry said Panama does not maintain a resident embassy in Kenya, meaning the matter required facilitation through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the appropriate Panamanian diplomatic channels.
It added that, since the issue arose over the weekend, the Directorate began preparing the necessary official correspondence to facilitate the request.
At the same time, the Ministry said Ruhiu was advised to consider alternative travel routes that would avoid the Panama transit visa requirement.
“He was therefore requested to provide an updated itinerary to enable the Ministry to determine and facilitate the most practical intervention,” the statement said.
The Ministry, however, said the itinerary initially presented by Ruhiu was for travel on October 2 and had already lapsed by the time the Directorate began handling the matter.
It said that despite subsequent follow-up, Ruhiu did not provide an updated itinerary, which the Ministry said was necessary to proceed with either the diplomatic intervention or an alternative travel arrangement.
International competitions
The Ministry stressed that visa facilitation and international travel interventions involving foreign missions are handled through established government and diplomatic procedures.
It said timely intervention depends on athletes engaging the Ministry early and providing complete and valid travel documentation.
The Ministry also said Ruhiu had previously benefited from government support for participation in international competitions, including the Africa Skating Championships in Egypt.
It further stated that his cash award entitlements arising from the Benin International Challenge and the Africa Skating Championships had been fully paid.
The Ministry said it remained committed to supporting Ruhiu and other Kenyan athletes across established and emerging sporting disciplines.
It encouraged athletes and sports federations to engage the Ministry sufficiently in advance of international competitions to allow administrative, financial and diplomatic processes to be completed.
“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,” said Juney Karisa, Head of Public Communications.
