A call for increased funding to boost county sports development was the main focus of a public participation forum held by the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare.
The forum discussed the proposed Sports Amendment Bill, 2024, which aims to set up a County Sports Associations Fund to improve sports at the grassroots level.
The bill, introduced by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, suggests that one per cent of county revenue allocated by the national government should go to this fund.
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However, this proposal has sparked debate, with many saying that one per cent is too little to support meaningful sports programs.
Senator Sifuna clarified that the one per cent was meant to be the minimum contribution, not the maximum.
“We will revise the bill to make sure it’s clear that the one percent is a starting point,” he assured attendees, hinting at possible changes to increase the funding.
Representatives from over 30 sports federations, associations, and sportspersons supported the idea of the fund but raised concerns about its management.
Michael Esakwa, former Football Kenya Federation’s former CEO, warned that the fund could be mismanaged without proper oversight. He recommended creating a County Sports Oversight Committee to monitor how the money is used and ensure transparency.
Others at the forum agreed, saying the fund’s management should not be left in the hands of political offices to avoid interference.
Another key issue raised was the need for inclusivity. Esakwa suggested that 30% of the fund should be set aside to support marginalized groups, such as women, youth, and people with disabilities, to ensure fair access and participation in sports.
The forum also discussed the fund’s sustainability, with concerns about relying solely on county revenues.
Stakeholders proposed alternatives such as public-private partnerships, leveraging carbon credits and green bonds, crowdfunding, and sponsorships to financially stabilise the fund.
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