It’s all systems go as the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) holds its elections on Thursday in Nairobi.

The polls follow weeks of spirited campaigns pitting two rival camps, one led by Kenya Judo Federation president Shadrack Maluki and the other by NOC-K Secretary General Francis Mutuku, who are both gunning for the presidency.

Outgoing NOC-K president and marathon legend Paul Tergat has wished the contestants good luck in the elections expected to be tight and cutthroat.

And for the first time in history, the polls will be conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), showing how cutthroat the campaigns have been, indicating the need for fairness, integrity and transparency which the electoral body is expected to uphold.

The Kenyan elections come hot on the heels of the just concluded International Olympic Committee (IOC) polls where Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe broke the glass ceiling after she was elected as the first African and the first woman IOC president.

The NOC-K Service Team led by Mutuku has pledged to serve, innovate and elevate NOC-K to greater heights in case they ‘clinch’ power this afternoon.

“This is a moment of promise and opportunity for Kenyan athletes and federations. Together with my team, we are ready to deliver a future where sports thrive through innovation, collaboration, and strategic planning,” Mutuku highlighted during the intense campaigns.

“Service and impact define my journey. My commitment is to continue fostering a system where athletes thrive, federations are empowered, and Kenya solidifies its position as a sporting powerhouse,” Mutuku further stated.

In their detailed manifesto, the NOC-K Service Team aim to achieve the following five pillars if elected into the office: Athlete Welfare and Development, Elite Athletes Performance, Organisational Sustainability, Financial Stability and Technology & Innovation.

“My promise is to serve with integrity, vision, and dedication. Together, we will build a future where Kenyan athletes and sports organisations thrive globally,” Mutuku reiterated.

On the other hand, Team New Dawn/ Fresh NOCK led by Maluki and Barnaba Korir (Athletics Kenya Youth Development Director) are pledging a fresh start at NOC-K, putting athletes’ interest first.

“There is no NOC-K without athletes. We will create an athlete’s centred leadership. We are going to put athletes first and at the heart of every decision,” Maluki said.

“We will enhance athlete’s representation in the decision-making process to ensure that their welfare is heard. We want to establish an institution that includes, listens, delivers,” Maluki further emphasised.

Apart from pledging to establish an Athletes Centered Leadership, Team New Dawn/ Fresh NOC-K, in their manifesto, are promising to fulfill other four pillars in their manifesto and these include Integrity Driven Governance, Financial Accountability and Transparency, Inclusive and Participatory Decision Making and Innovation in athletes Development and Sports Management.

Double Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge is the only contestant who heads to the polls unopposed as Male Athlete Representative.

However, Kenya Lionesses captain Grace Adhiambo Okulu will sweat it out with Malkia Strikers middleblocker Edith Wisa for the post of Female Athlete Representative.

The treasurer position has also attracted three candidates including Fred Kamau Chege (Team New Dawn), Mohamed Shoaib (NOC-K Service Team) and Moses Mbuthia (Volleyball).