Probe cash misuse at Sports Fund, MPs told

The National Assembly has opened investigations into alleged financial mismanagement at the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund amid concerns about the quality of activities undertaken by the agency.

The Sports and Culture Committee is probing the fund and its activities following a request by Isiolo Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya.

In a statement sought on the floor on Wednesday, Mumina said there was a public outcry over the mismanagement of funds at the agency.

“There has been a public outcry regarding financial mismanagement and lack of transparency in the administration of national revenue allocated to the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund and its associated entities, notably the Kenya Academy of Sports,” Mumina said.

However, Sports PS Peter Tum denied any financial misappropriations at SASDF, adding that the agency has rules and regulations that guide its operations.

“Sports Fund has disbursement regulations,” the PS said in response to our query on the allegations.

SASDF is a creation of the Public Finance Management (Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund) Regulations, 2018.

It is mandated with providing funding to support the development and promotion of sports and arts and social development.

In the probe, the committee, chaired by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, seeks to establish the criteria used to identify and assess the needs of sports development in Kenya.

The panel also seeks to find out any measures put in place by the fund and the parent ministry to ensure equitable distribution of funds across all regions.

“The committee should find out the reasons why the quality of preparations, the playing fields, the sports gear and the entire organisation of sports events do not reflect the budget allocated for their procurement,” Mumina said.

“Despite the seemingly large amounts of financial resources directed towards these three purposes.”

She asked the panel for a comprehensive report on the breakdown of the funds allocated to the SASDF and spent on sports-related activities for the last two financial years. This will entail the distribution of such activities across different regions in Kenya.

“Provide a list of all companies contracted to supply playing kits and other sports equipment, along with a detailed explanation of the tendering process followed,” she demanded.

SASDF conducts various sports activities, including tournaments in the counties in line with its mandate, which is promotion of sports, arts and social development.