Francis Mutuku launches bid for NOCK presidency to take over from Paul Tergat

Francis Mutuku launches his NOCK presidential bid, vowing early Olympic preparations, financial sustainability, sports technology, and athlete-centered leadership.

Tennis Kenya first deputy president Francis Mutuku has officially launched his campaign to become the next president of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK).

Mutuku is seeking to succeed athletics legend Paul Tergat who has served two terms over the past eight years during the upcoming elections set to take place on April 24.

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During his manifesto launch at Nairobi Club on Thursday, he outlined his ambitious plans aimed at strengthening athletes’ welfare, elite development, organizational and financial sustainability, and infrastructural growth.

"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 NOCK 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," Mutuku stated.

Dressed in a blue suit, light pink shirt, and maroon tie, Mutuku made his intentions clear before a crowd of 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 formidable team to support his bid, including Anthony "Jamal" Otieno, president of the Boxing Federation of Kenya, who is vying for first vice president.

Outgoing NOCK deputy secretary general Shoiab Vayani is contesting for treasurer, while 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.

He highlighted the importance of early talent identification, proposing that Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) programs be extended 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.

Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Mutuku vowed to establish 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.

He also promised 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.

"We must continue to embrace technology in developing our athletes through sports medicine awareness, data collection, and statistics analysis," he said.

Mutuku further pledged 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 recognized and celebrated before or after the games," he stated.

Kenya finished 17th overall in the last Olympics, ranking as Africa’s top nation with 11 medals—four gold, two silver, and five bronze.