Nairobi — Athletics Kenya has embarked on a move to gain control of road races and private training camps in the country.

Isaiah Kiplagat, the AK chairman, however, insisted that the association was not out to block road races or close training camps, but was only interested in having a big say in the races and the day-to-day running of training camps.

"We will not be closing them down. They are important in the development of athletes. However, we want to be involved in their running so that we may monitor the actual development of athletes, regulate their operations and see that they follow the right procedures," said Kiplagat.

He said some private running clubs do not meet set standards and would have to be forced by las for the benefit of athletes.

However, the issue is expected to raise a lot of criticism as the clubs and race organisers fight back to safeguard their businesses.

Kiplagat wants the clubs to run clinics supervised by the association, and will support those that develop sprinters and field athletes.

A committee headed by Kenya Prisons' David Kilundo has been set up to review the issue.

At the same time, AK has been given permission to utilise national head coach Julius Kirwa and Stephen Mwaniki. Kirwa, of Armed Forces, and Mwaniki, of Kenya Prisons, will spearhead a review of the AK coaching system.

They will set up structures to the develop young coaches across the country. They will also visit all training camps and clubs to make sure they have qualified people and the right facilities to train athletes.

Kiplagat expressed his disappointment over the standard of coaches in the country. The association will hold a retreat in Naivasha in three weeks to brainstorm over the issue.

"The retreat will help evaluate our own situation and adopt new tactics as we focus ahead. We had one like this in 1999 and its resolutions have become obsolete. We need to set up a new one for the next five years," he said.

At the same time, Kenya Commercial Bank are the latest financiers of athletics after they signed a Sh2.8 million contract with the AK to sponsor its cross country competitions next season, which starts in November.

Already, AK had bagged a total of Sh17.5 million in sponsorship from KCC, East Africa Breweries Limited chipped in Sh7 million towards the Tusker Athletics meet set for May at Nyayo Stadium while Standard Chartered Bank has supported the Nairobi International marathon to a tune of Sh6 million.

"Negotiations with EABL are not finalised and we want them to increase the amount because most top athletes are demanding bigger prize money to commit themselves to honour the Tusker International Athletics meet," said Kiplagat.