Mutuku officially launches bid for NOC-K presidency
National Olympics Committee of Kenya(NOCK) Secretary General Francis Mutuku addresses the media during the launch of his bid for the Nock presidency at Nairobi Club on March 27, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Mutuku also vowed to champion policies that integrate Kenya’s sports legends into sports diplomacy and international relations.
- "We only wait to celebrate medallists from the Olympics, but I want to change that by ensuring that even qualifiers are recognised and celebrated before or after the games," he stated.
Tennis Kenya first deputy president Francis Mutuku on Thursday officially launched his bid for the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) presidency, promising to serve, innovate, and elevate Kenyan sports.
With NOC-K elections set for April 24, Mutuku aims to succeed Paul Tergat, who has served two terms over eight years.
Speaking at his manifesto launch at Nairobi Club, Mutuku outlined his vision, focusing on five key areas: athletes’ welfare development, elite athletes’ development, organisational sustainability, financial sustainability, and infrastructural and technology development.
"I have seen the good fruits we can harvest and the deep wells we can drink from. This is drawn from my eight years as NOC-K Secretary General. It gives me the confidence to say I have a team that will help me deliver and serve from a point of knowledge and experience," he stated.
Dressed in a blue suit, light pink shirt, and maroon tie, Mutuku’s launch event was attended by several sports stakeholders, including Kibra MP Peter Orero.
His campaign began with a "Mbuzi" (goat-eating) party on Wednesday evening at Nairobi Club, where he engaged members and shared his vision.
Mutuku has assembled a strong team to support his bid. Anthony “Jamal” Otieno, president of the Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK), is vying for first vice president, while outgoing Noc-k deputy secretary general Shoiab Vayani is contesting for treasurer.
Outgoing deputy treasurer John Ogolla will run for secretary general, executive committee member Paul Otula will vie for deputy treasurer, and women’s representative Paurvi Rawal will seek a committee member position.
"We want to elevate everyone—referees, coaches, athletes, and federations—so that we can move together to the next level," Mutuku emphasized.
Mutuku stressed the importance of early talent identification, proposing an extension of Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) programmess to primary schools.
"KSSSA is doing a wonderful job. You can imagine if the same thing was done at primary level. Starting the focus at Form One is a bit late," he noted.
He also outlined a strategy for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, vowing to set up a dedicated working committee within a month of taking office.
"Performance will always be a reflection of preparation. We have challenges with funding, but we must start with what we have," he said, promising to appoint the Chef de Mission early to engage federations and ensure adequate preparation for Team Kenya.
To ensure financial sustainability, Mutuku plans to enhance public-private partnerships and support Team Kenya through merchandising initiatives. He also pledged to integrate sports technology, including data analytics and sports medicine, to improve athlete performance.
"We must continue to embrace technology in developing our athletes through sports medicine awareness, data collection, and statistics analysis," he said.
Mutuku also vowed to champion policies that integrate Kenya’s sports legends into sports diplomacy and international relations.
"We only wait to celebrate medallists from the Olympics, but I want to change that by ensuring that even qualifiers are recognised and celebrated before or after the games," he stated.
With his experience, strategic approach, and commitment to innovation, Mutuku believes he is best positioned to steer Noc-k into a new era of excellence.