- Kenyan skater Kevin Kiarie receives over Sh147,000 from well-wishers after a past appeal resurfaces online
- The video showed him seeking Sh65,000 to support his trip to Benin for an international skating event
- He had already travelled and competed in Cotonou, where he won a gold medal
- Kenyans online react with mixed emotions of celebration and regret for the delayed support
- The fundraising conversation reignites debate on support for non-mainstream athletes
A previously recorded fundraising appeal by Kenyan skater Kevin Kiarie has triggered an unexpected wave of public support, with Kenyans contributing more than Sh147,000 after the clip resurfaced online.
The video, which started circulating again on April 9 in the evening, showed the athlete appealing for help to fund his trip to an international skating competition in Benin.
In the emotional appeal, Kiarie explained that he needed Sh65,000 to cater for his flight and accommodation ahead of the International Skating Challenge held in Cotonou.
He revealed that he had previously financed his own participation in a competition in Singapore, a move that left him financially strained.
According to him, repeated self-funding had become difficult, forcing him to reach out to Kenyans for assistance as he prepared for another major assignment abroad.
Despite the financial challenges, Kiarie had already travelled and competed in Benin before the video gained traction online.
The tournament, held between April 1 and April 5, turned out to be a successful outing for him as he went on to win a gold medal, raising Kenya’s profile in the sport.
However, many Kenyans admitted they had not seen the appeal earlier, meaning the support came after his return and achievement.
Once the video resurfaced, social media users quickly mobilised to support him, sending contributions as a sign of appreciation for his performance.
Kiarie later confirmed receiving over Sh147,000, with donations still trickling in.
His update posts sparked emotional reactions online, with many Kenyans expressing both pride and regret.
Some users congratulated him while apologising for missing his earlier appeal, saying they wished they had responded in time. Others confirmed sending money alongside messages of encouragement.
The incident has once again highlighted the financial struggles faced by athletes in less-publicised sports, who often rely on personal savings or public goodwill to compete internationally.
While Kiarie’s success in Benin was widely celebrated, the timing of the support has also sparked reflection on how emerging talents can be better assisted before competitions rather than after achievements.
