Malkia Strikers’ Bitok outlines pr*mary goal after bagging key position in KVF elections

Malkia Strikers assistant head coach Paul Bitok has outlined his target after being elected Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) deputy president.

Bitok floored his rival, Edward Kisaka, by garnering 193 votes against the former's 23. The experienced tactician hopes to build a youth programme that will, in the end, help Malkia Strikers have top players and become an even more formidable side.

Bitok's agenda

"Over the last four years, we have had a very smooth transition of players at the national team because we have tried to incorporate the young players quite early.

"We have managed to do this without a youth programme so you can imagine how good Kenya can become if we have one that is functioning," Bitok said, as quoted by a local publication.

Bitok is aware of the challenges that await him as he transitions to a new position.

"I have served the sport as a player and coach for over three decades, which has helped me to understand various aspects of volleyball.

"I am now moving into administration, fully aware of the challenges within Kenyan volleyball. I believe this will make it easy for me to move into administration.

"I am ready to learn the ropes of leadership from those who have served because I have a lot of ideas on how to improve the sport," he continued.

Apart from youth development, Bitok cited the need to have the Kenyan volleyball calendar streamlined to go hand in hand with the international one.

"It's unfortunate that our calendar still collides with the FIVB calendar because we are not able to finish our league in time, and this interferes with the national team program.

"I want us to have a fixed calendar that will also help us attract sponsors to the league and national teams," Bitok added.

Poll results

In the other seats, Charles Nyaberi was elected KVB president during the elections that were held at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.

Nyaberi, who was acting in the same capacity following the death of Waithaka Kioni in April, defeated David Masila by getting 117 votes against Masila's 103.

Lilian Mududa Waweru retained her position as vice president (gender) by beating Hellen Gichuru by a paltry four votes. Waweru garnered 105 votes against Gichuru’s 101.

Bernard Busumba was elected the new treasurer and takes over from Kenneth Tonui. Busumba emerged as the winner in the race against Joseph Kosgei and Daniel Maluki after garnering 100 votes. Kosgeri was second with 80 votes, while Maluki finished third with 33 votes.

Moses Mbuthia was elected deputy treasurer by getting 147 votes against Esther Mutemi, who got 70 votes.