Kenyan skater Kevin Kiarie Ruhiu is receiving widespread support from the public after a resurfaced fundraising video sparked national attention, leading to donations exceeding Sh147,000.
The contributions began flowing on April 9 after an earlier video of Kiarie appealing for financial help was widely shared online.
In the clip, recorded before his departure to Benin, the athlete sought to raise Sh65,000 to cover travel and accommodation costs for the International Skating Challenge in Cotonou.
“I am making this video to ask Kenyans to support me. I’ll be going to Benin to represent you guys,” Kiarie said, explaining that he had previously financed his participation in a competition in Singapore out of pocket, leaving him in debt.
From Struggle to Victory
Despite the financial challenges, Kiarie managed to travel to Benin—largely through personal effort and support from close friends and family. His determination paid off as he went on to win gold in freestyle and silver in classic slalom at the competition held between April 1 and April 5.
In emotional footage shared after his victory, the young skater was seen celebrating alone while holding the Kenyan flag, thanking supporters and describing his journey as a “very fierce fight.”
His achievement quickly captured national attention, especially after many Kenyans realised they had missed his initial appeal for support.
Public Support Surges After Video Resurfaces
Once the video began trending, Kenyans mobilised across social media platforms to contribute funds as a show of appreciation for his resilience and success.
Kiarie later confirmed receiving more than Sh147,000, sharing screenshots of M-Pesa messages as proof of the overwhelming support.
“Celebrating my win started lightly, then got serious. We have now successfully raised KSh 147,000… You all are supporting a dream anchored on passion. Thank you for your kindness and generosity,” he wrote in one of his updates.
The response online has been a mix of celebration and regret, with many expressing disappointment for not supporting him earlier.
One user commented, “Congratulations Kevo, we are sorry we failed you. Feel appreciated,” capturing the mood among many supporters.
Calls for Better Support for Emerging Sports
Kiarie’s story has reignited conversations around the challenges faced by athletes in less-funded disciplines such as skating. Unlike mainstream sports, many competitors often rely on personal resources or informal support networks to participate in international events.
His success has prompted calls for increased investment, sponsorship, and institutional support to nurture talent across a wider range of sports in Kenya.
In a further boost, comedian Eric Omondi has pledged to support Kiarie’s next competition, reportedly set to take place in Egypt.
The gesture has been welcomed by fans, who see it as a step toward ensuring the athlete can compete without the financial strain he previously faced.
