Kenya are due to send a 132-strong athlete delegation to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images

Kenya are due to send a 132-strong athlete delegation to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, the country’s Chef de Mission Barnabas Korir has confirmed.

Speaking after returning to Kenya from a fact-finding tour in Australia, Korir was reported by Citizen News as saying that athletics will have the largest number of participants, with 65 participants at least.

"Athletics will be followed by rugby because we will be going with both men and women teams," he added.

"Boxing also requested for their quota to be increased so they will have 11 because they want to add the number of female boxers to four, and all other federations will send two participants each."

While in Australia, Korir inspected various sporting zones where Kenyans are set to compete.

"They are currently installing furniture in the Athletes’ Village and almost all venues are ready except the weightlifting and powerlifting venues," he told Citizen News. 

"Accreditation is ongoing and will make sure all our sports men and officials get access easily to all areas.

"I believe they will enjoy what they’ll get there."

Flomena Cheyech Daniel was among Kenya's gold medallists at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, winning the women's marathon ©Getty Images
Flomena Cheyech Daniel was among Kenya's gold medallists at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, winning the women's marathon ©Getty Images

Earlier this month, Kenya set up a team of experts to help raise funds to help it prepare for Gold Coast 2018. 

The Marketing and Fundraising Commission will also oversee the management of National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) funds.

The hope is that there will be more scrutiny to help avoid the allegations of corruption that have overshadowed Kenya's preparations for other major events, most notably last year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

NOCK chairman Paul Tergat has handpicked the Committee along with second deputy vice-president Waithaka Kioni, secretary general Francis Kinyili Paul and deputy secretary Francis Mutuku.

Last month, NOCK presented a tentative budget of KSh450 million (£3.3 million/$4.4 million/€3.7 million) to the country’s Government to help preparing for and attending Gold Coast 2018.

An estimated KSh380 million (£2.8 million/$3.7 million/€3.1 million) was spent by Kenya for Glasgow 2014, where they were represented by a contingent of 306 athletes and officials.

Tergat, the double Olympic 10,000 metres silver medallist, hopes extra funding will help Kenya continue to be successful at major events.

Kenya won a total of 25 medals at Glasgow 2014, comprising 10 golds, 10 silvers and five bronzes.