Three-time African Fencing Champion Alexandra Ndolo has criticized the Kenyan government and the Kenya Fencing Federation for neglecting her, questioning why she never receives funding for training and competitions.
According to her, this issue now affects other upcoming Kenyan fencing athletes as well.
The 2024 Paris Olympian reminded the federation and the government that it has taken immense dedication to reach her current level, including efforts to raise the standard of fencing in Kenya, all without financial support.
"When I started fencing for Kenya, I was told to prove myself to the system. Just make it to the first African Championship, achieve a good result, and refunds for the season would be assured,” Ndolo wrote on her official Facebook page.
"So I went, competed, and won my first African Championship gold. Next, I was told that my entire season was too expensive, but parts could be financed if I submitted budgets. So I did—budget after budget, receipts after receipts. Apparently, nothing got approved," she continued.
The African champion also accused the federation of discrimination due to her mixed-race background and claimed that upcoming fencing athletes have been misled, with funding allegedly directed to her alone because she is the top fencer in Kenya and across the continent.
Ndolo has not yet stated whether she will participate in the upcoming 2026 Fencing World Championships, scheduled for July 21–30 in Hong Kong—an important event ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports has yet to respond to Ndolo’s concerns, nor have the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) or the Kenya Fencing Federation.
