Shadrack Maluki, president of the Kenya Judo Federation and outgoing NOC‑K Vice‑President, secured a decisive victory as the new leader of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC‑K), capturing 15 votes to edge out Tennis Kenya’s first vice-president Francis Mutuku, who garnered 12 votes, in a tightly fought contest.
The election, held at a Nairobi gathering on July 21, 2025, marked the triumph of Maluki’s “New Dawn Fresh” team, which had previously committed to a transparent and athlete-centred reform agenda ahead of the vote.
Maluki’s ascendancy follows a turbulent pre-election period that included legal wrangles and court injunctions, which postponed the initial vote dates in April and June.
His victory signals unity and fresh leadership at a critical time for Kenya’s Olympic movement, as the country accelerates preparations for upcoming regional and global competitions.Maluki pledged to prioritise accountability, stakeholder engagement, and systematic development across all member federations.
Alongside Maluki’s victory, significant leadership changes reshaped the NOC‑K hierarchy: Barnaba Korir, Youth Director at Athletics Kenya, was elected First Vice‑President with 15 votes, narrowly defeating Anthony Ombok; Nahashon Randiek claimed the Second Vice‑President post by a 14‑12 margin.
With Maluki at the helm and a rejuvenated executive team aligned with New Dawn Fresh, momentum is building behind a governance reforms agenda designed to enhance oversight, eliminate entrenched inefficiencies, and boost athlete advocacy within the organisation.
Maluki’s background rooted in judo’s disciplined structures and inter‑federation collaboration gave him an edge in navigating the fragmented pre-existing power dynamics.
His team’s ability to unify key voices and present a cohesive plan underlines the mandate they received from voting federations, signaling widespread appetite for change.
Now charged with delivering on promises of openness and performance, Maluki’s NOC‑K will face immediate tests in financial transparency, strategic planning, and stakeholder trust-building.
His leadership is expected to guide Kenya’s sports diplomacy, fundraising efforts, and institutional capacity‑building ensuring the Olympic committee is better equipped to support athletes on the road to Paris 2024 and beyond.
Written By Ian Maleve
