Four Kenyan-Born Athletes Renounce Kenyan Citizenship to Represent Kazakhstan

Four Kenyan-born athletes have switched their international allegiance as they seek to compete on the global stage. 

Norah Jeruto, Daisy Jepkemei, Shadrack Koech, and Caroline Chepkoech have been granted Kazakhstan citizenship after the World Athletics approved their request to represent the Central Asian country at the international level.

The four, whose applications to represent Kazakhstan had initially been denied, took oaths denouncing their country of birth.

Jeruto’s decision to ditch Kenya for Kazakhstan comes barely six months after she won the Women's 3000m Steeplechase during the finals of the Wanda Diamond League 2021 season in Zurich, Switzerland. She clinched the gold medal in 9:07.34, more than a second ahead of her compatriot Hyvin Kiyeng’s 9:08.55.

The 2016 Africa Championship 3000m steeplechase champion also won the Valencia 10km run in Spain earlier this year as well as the Discovery Kenya Cross Country Championship in Eldoret.

Rule 1.4.2 of the World Athletics Charter states that athletes who gain new citizenship or wish to change their status can do so if three years have passed since they competed for their country.