Kenyan freestyle slalom skater Kiarie has raised concerns about his nomination as a National Hero, citing stalled reimbursements from the Sports Ministry. His rapid ascent has positioned him among Africa’s top freestyle slalom skaters, yet financial support remains inconsistent. Kiarie’s situation reflects broader challenges faced by athletes in less traditional sports. The Sports Ministry has not provided a timeline for resolving the funding delays, leaving athletes to navigate financial uncertainty. This issue underscores the growing gap between elite performance and institutional support in Kenya’s sports sector.