World Aquatics have given Kenya's swimming fraternity a lifeline by allowing them to conduct the much-awaited elections in the next three months.
A letter signed by World Aquatics executive director, Brett Nowicki, wants the election to be conducted by November 13, courtesy of the Stabilisation Committee.
"The Bureau further directs the Stabilization Committee to finalise the electoral process and conduct elections within 90 days. Your compliance with this directive is appreciated," Nowicki noted.
The elections were due to be held last month following a Special General Assembly at Moi Stadium, Kasarani but were called off at the 11th hour after the Center of Corporate Governance received initiation and threats not to conduct the elections from certain quarters.
Kenya has, however, been banned from international events like the upcoming World Swimming Junior Championships slated for next month, according to Nowicki
“As a result, the World Aquatics Bureau met to discuss these concerns and has determined to maintain the current suspension in place and with this, exclude Kenya from any activity within World Aquatics, including participation in its events,” observed Nowicki.
He expressed his disappointment at the slow pace of finding a long-lasting solution to swimming.
"Despite the installation of a Stabilization Committee, the issues within Kenya Aquatics persist. And with this, the Bureau continues to have deep concerns with respect to the ongoing failures within Kenya Aquatics to hold elections and the historical inability to comply with the rules and decisions of World Aquatics," added Nowicki
Speaking on Monday, Kenya Swimming Stabilisation team leader Michael 'Tank' Otieno said with the lifeline, the swimming stakeholders cannot afford to squander the opportunity.
" For the record, I believe we are going to get banned now that we have been given a second chance. We need to finally conclude the process of having the elections in regard to the new deadlines we have set,” added Otieno.
He added: “It's sad how young swimmers will not compete at the World Junior Championships in Israel due to the continued suspension by the world governing body."
Otieno added that the Stabilization Committee will meet soon to see the way forward in meeting the new deadline.
