President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday revealed that the Sports, Culture and Arts Ministry would take centre stage in his government’s agenda this year.
Speaking at the refurbished Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi during the Beyond Zero Half Marathon, President Kenyatta acknowledged that the ministry was crucial to the economic development of the country.
The President noted that the athletes represented the nation in international sporting events and therefore needed to be accorded full support in order to be successful.
“Our athletes are the shining star of Kenya, so all national teams, be it in netball or rugby, will be funded by my government, ” he declared.
Kenyatta added that his government had put in place a fund (Sports Fund) and that the national teams could no longer be left in the hands of well-wishers to sponsor activities.
“This year Harambee Stars will not beg or borrow, but will be fully funded by the government,” the president reiterated.
The directive was welcomed by Kenya Rugby Union chairman Richard Omwela who told Nation that their players had struggled to produce positive results all season due to financial constrains.
Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa also welcomed President Kenyatta’s statement that the conversation about sports needed to be elevated above money problems.
“The President said the same thing in 2017 and our hope now is that it is implemented to the letter,” Mwendwa noted.
Financing of sports events has been a big challenge not only to the government but respective federations in the country.
All eyes will now be on the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Heritage Ambassador Amina Mohammed to ensure that the country’s sporting glory is restored.