- Kevin Kiarie Ruhiu says he has qualified for the World Skate Games in Paraguay.
- The Kenyan skater says he already has a valid Paraguay visa.
- He applied for a Panama transit visa in late August.
- Kiarie says the application now requires intervention from the Ministry of Sports.
- He says he is ready to travel once the transit visa issue is resolved.
Kenyan skater Kevin Kiarie Ruhiu is asking the Ministry of Sports to intervene in a visa issue threatening to disrupt his trip to Paraguay for the World Skate Games. The athlete says he has completed the requirements for the competition and secured clearance from the relevant federation. He also says he already holds a visa allowing him to enter Paraguay.
The remaining obstacle is a Panama transit visa, which Kiarie says he needs for his journey. According to the skater, he submitted the application in late August but is still waiting for the necessary approval. He says government intervention is now required because Panama does not have an embassy in Kenya.
“I was cleared and registered for the World Skate Games by the federation after qualifying in the Africa Skate Games.”
Kiarie shared his appeal on social media as he sought assistance in resolving the outstanding travel requirement. He said he has everything else needed for the competition and is prepared to leave once the transit issue is addressed.
The skater said his application for the Panama transit visa has become the main issue standing between him and the competition in Paraguay. He explained that the absence of a Panamanian embassy in Kenya has made the process more complicated. Kiarie believes intervention from the Ministry of Sports could help move the application forward.
“I have all the requirements & necessities for the event. I have a Paraguay visa. I applied for a Panama transit visa late August, it’s approval right now relies on Intervention from the ministry, Panama has no embassy in Kenya.”
The athlete has therefore appealed directly to the ministry as preparations for the international competition continue. His concern is that delays in obtaining the required transit documentation could affect his ability to travel for the event.
Kiarie also pointed to skating’s recognition within Kenya’s sports administration as he made his appeal. He said the sport is among those registered under the Ministry of Sports and expressed hope that the relevant authorities would provide the required assistance.
“Skating is among the 149 registered sports under the Ministry of sports. I hope we get the necessary support.”
The skater said he would be able to make the journey immediately if the ministry succeeds in resolving the outstanding issue. His message underlined the urgency of the situation with the World Skate Games approaching.
“If the Ministry wishes to support, I can leave for Paraguay today.”
World Skate Games Travel Plans in Focus
Kiarie’s qualification came after his participation in the Africa Skate Games, where he earned the opportunity to compete at the global event. He says the federation subsequently cleared and registered him for the World Skate Games.
With his Paraguay visa already secured, the athlete’s focus is now on completing the transit arrangements. The appeal places the Ministry of Sports at the centre of efforts to address the remaining travel requirement.
Kiarie is hoping the matter can be resolved in time to allow him to represent Kenya in Paraguay. For the skater, securing the transit visa is now the final major hurdle before he can begin his journey.
