The NOC-K claimed the MoU will ensure there are "smooth, well-defined roles" by the two institutions with the view to delivering a successful Games for Kenya’s athletes.

Kenya’s preparations for Tokyo 2020, delayed by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have already been boosted by the financial support of the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage.

"This is being done as part of the promise we made when we moved into the Ministry, that we are going to make all our processes, systems and all structure put in place, transparent and collaborative, and to make sure that there is a clarity of roles," said Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed.

NOC-K first vice-president Shadrack Maluki added: "The standards have been set and I want to thank Amina and Joe Okudo [Principal Secretary for State Department of Sports] for not only showing but also leading the way with professionalism."

The announcement of the MoU was made at the completion of Kenya’s athletics Olympic trials at Kasarani.

Kenya claimed six gold medals at Rio 2016, courtesy of victories for Jemima Sumgong in the women’s marathon, Eliud Kipchoge in the men’s marathon, Vivian Cheruiyot in the women’s 5,000 metres, Conseslus Kipruto in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, Faith Kipyegon in the women’s 1,500m and David Rudisha in the men’s 800m.

The team's appearance at the Games in the Brazilian city was blighted by a financial scandal.

It was alleged that six NOCK and Kenyan officials caused a loss of public funds with their mismanagement of the Kenyan team, with athletes' preparations hampered by their conduct.

Prosecutors also claim those in charge of the Kenyan team allowed unauthorised people to travel to Rio 2016, purchased air tickets which were not utilised and overpaid allowances. 

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 8.