The Ministry of Sports has made shocking revelations that it owes sportsmen and women Sh235 million in pending awards but they have been unable to pay due to lack of funds..
Sports Principal Secretary Peter Kaberia made the remarks before a parliamentary committee on sports, culture and tourism.
He said the awards keep rising as more athletes continue to win medals in international competitions.
“At the moment, we owe our sportsmen and women who have excelled in past international events Sh235 million. Unfortunately, the figure keeps rising as they continue to win.
“We require budgetary support to be able us to pay considering that these awards continue to encourage our athletes to do well in international events,” he said.
The award scheme was mooted more than ten years ago and has seen Olympic gold winners get Sh1 million, silver medallists take home Sh750,000 and Sh500,000 for bronze medallists.
The government has, however, not honoured the awards due to budgetary constraints, he said.
Kaberia told the committee they need almost Sh1 billion for various sporting events lined up for 2019.
The World Rally leg will cost the country Sh450 million. Other major events coming up include next month’s Kenya Open Golf that will cost tax payer’s more than Sh200 million.
Harambee Stars, who have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations finals after a 15-year wait, will be allocated Sh244 million.
The ministry will also require another Sh66 million to begin preparations for next year’s IAAF under-20 Championships.
Kaberia told the committee that lack of funding has led to stalling of renovation and building of new stadia.