There remains confusion over whether Kenya will compete in the event, scheduled to take place in Nassau between July 19 and 23, following claims they had withdrawn.

The Commonwealth Games Federation and officials in The Bahamas claim they have not been officially informed that Kenya will not be taking part. 

But the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), currently in the middle of a constitutional crisis which could lead to its suspension by the International Olympic Committee, have banned the athletes from travelling to Nassau, it is claimed.

Jackson Tuwei, the President of Athletics Kenya, told The Citizen that NOCK had written to him to tell him that they would not be sending a team to the event.

A reason was not given but it is widely assumed that it is in retaliation for several countries not attending the International Association of Athletics Federations World Under-18 Championships, due to take place in Nairobi from July 12 until 16. 

Australia, Britain and New Zealand have all announced they will miss the Championships because they want to concentrate instead on the Commonwealth Youth Games.

"NOCK has no right to unilaterally deny the young talent from gaining international experience," Tuwei told The Citizen.

"Kenya was depending on them for future athletics competitions."

Athletics Kenya have now contacted Government officials to get the ban overturned.

At the last Commonwealth Youth Games in Apia in Samoa two years ago, Kenyan athletes claimed a total of seven medals, four golds and three silvers.