From Gikomba to Glory: How Kevin Kiarie Became Africa’s Freestyle Skating Champion Against All Odds.

Kenya’s 27-year-old skating superstar, Kevin Kiarie, has defied all odds to become the African champion in freestyle slalom skating. While most elite athletes rely on state-of-the-art facilities, government support, and professional coaching, Kiarie’s journey to the top began with a Ksh1,500 pair of second-hand skates from Gikomba and a matatu ride to the airport.

A Journey Fueled by Passion and Determination

Kiarie’s love for skating started nearly a decade ago when he saw a simple video on his cousin’s phone. In 2017, as a student at the Technical University of Kenya, he used his first HELB loan to pursue his newfound passion. “With the support of my friend, we went to Gikomba. For 1,500 shillings, we bought my first pair of skates,” Kiarie recalled. “I started practicing with no intention of competing. I just wanted to do it for fun and exercise.”

By 2019, the growing Kenyan skating scene inspired Kiarie to pursue excellence seriously. Despite rising to Africa’s top-ranked skater, government and corporate support remained elusive. To compete at the African Championships in Egypt, he had to turn to TikTok, where Kenyans donated Ksh220,000 to cover his flight and accommodation.

“The ministry… too much back and forth. They told me there are no funds,” Kiarie explained. “I even took a matatu to the airport to board that flight.”

Kiarie’s talent quickly drew attention internationally. At a world championship in Singapore, a stranger noticed his substandard skates and offered him professional gear worth over Ksh150,000 — the very skates he later used to conquer Africa.

Challenges Beyond the Spotlight

Infrastructure remains Kiarie’s biggest challenge. Kenya does not have a public skating rink, forcing him to train in apartment basements and empty car parks. He was even once banned from Kasarani Stadium. “Skating is a household sport for many urban families. Give them an upper hand; create for them a skating rink,” he urged.

Looking ahead, Kiarie will compete in the largest skating tournament in China, facing the toughest opponents in the world. Beyond personal glory, he hopes his story sparks government and stakeholder support for Kenya’s minority sports.

“Let’s give these children a purpose to skate, a reason to pursue their passion like any other superstar athlete,” he said.

For Kevin Kiarie, every medal is more than an achievement — it is proof that determination, focus, and resilience can overcome massive challenges and lack of support.