The Government will not sit back and watch as the sports sector which benefits thousands of Kenyans continue to be mismanaged, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr Paul Otuoma has warned.
The Minister said the trend by Associations to run to the Government for funds at the last minute and yet they cannot account their expenses will not be accepted and “as a Government, we will not sit back and watch as the sports sector continues to be mismanaged.”
The Minister further decried continued wranglers over leadership noting that most of the federations have poor filing system where books of accounts are not properly kept to reflect the financial status thus bringing their operations into question.
“In order to provide the sports policy framework with a legal backing, my Ministry will soon table a Sports Bill in parliament to be enacted into law.This will encourage and promote sports and recreation activities, provide for establishment of sports institutions, administration and management of sports in the country.' the Funyula legislator said.
Otuoma made the remarks yesterday when he re-launched the Kenya National Sports Policy at the Sarova Panafric Hotel. During the colourful ceremony attended by federations and Associations Chairman who are affiliated to the Kenya National Sports Council (KNSC), the Minister handed the Sports Policy books to Association heads amid thunderous cheers.
In attendance was Assistant Minister Kabando Wa Kabando, Permanent Secretary James Waweru, Sports secretary Prof.Wilson Langat, Sports Commissioner Gordon Oluoch and Heads of Association led by KFF Chairman Sam Nyamweya.
Also in attendant were Head of Super Sports Africa Garry Rathbone, Multichoice Kenya General Manager Stephen Isaboke and Public Relations officer Stella Ondimu.
The Minister lauded Super sports as a true Government partner in promoting Sports adding that if one goes down to the rural villages, communities are engaged in watching Sports through DSTv. He called upon other co-operates and investors to emulate SuperSport.
He challenged co-operates, Government and stakeholders to come in and give hope to the young talent .''If you are a chairman of an association, and you've never produced or brought any glory, then why do you want to carry national colours and embarrass the country?”” the Minister wondered.
The Sports Minister said there is need of ensuring that sports and recreation programmes are effectively and efficiently managed for the benefit of the youth and Kenyan citizenry in general.
“I laud the close collaboration between the Department, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, the Kenya National Sports Council, the Sports Federations and other stakeholders, which has laid down structures for identification, development and nurturing of the abundant sports talent in the country through exposure to local and international competitions.”the minister observed.
The joint effort, the Minister added, has contributed in placing Kenya in the world map as sports super power. You will all agree with me that our sportsmen and women have excelled in athletics, especially long and middle distances, boxing, volleyball and recently in rugby.
Nevertheless, the Minister noted with great concern that sports sponsors both current and potential ones, are scared of investing in the industry. This means little resources are available to adequately prepare our sportsmen and women, which negatively affects the standards of their performance during international championships.
Otuoma said the re-launched Kenya National Sports Policy will provide policy guide liner on sports growth and development in the country through a holistic approach to mutually agreeable operational principles, administrative practices and resource utilization procedures among all the stakeholders involved in sports activities.
The policy framework,he added, is intended to streamline and harmonize all aspects of sports by acting as the overall reference and guideline by outlining procedures in planning, organizational and management of sports in the country.
“Moreover, the document will serve as a vehicle for promoting national image, international cooperation and friendship. It will also enhance health and fitness of citizens and raise the profile of sports as a major industry in the country.
He said the Government will no longer going to allow personal selfish interests to override those of the sports persons and the rest of other Kenyans.' the Minister said.
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