- A Bill has proposed an allocation of one per cent of revenue from the National Government to the suggested County Sports Associations Fund.
- Sifuna responded to the feedback by clarifying that the initial draft of the bill was intended to set one per cent as a minimum threshold, not a cap.
Image: HANDOUT
A call for increased funding for county sports development took centre stage during a public participation forum held by senators on the Sports Amendment Bill, 2024.
The bill, sponsored by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna proposes establishing a County Sports Associations Fund to enhance grassroots sports development.
However, the proposal to allocate just one per cent of allocated county revenue from the National Government to the fund sparked uproar during the meeting convened by Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare.
Stakeholders argued the amount is insufficient to support meaningful sports initiatives.
Sifuna responded to the feedback by clarifying that the initial draft of the bill was intended to set one per cent as a minimum threshold, not a cap.
“The wording I had proposed in the initial draft of the bill was that one per cent should be the minimum. From the feedback we have received today, we shall refine the bill to ensure clarity,” he stated.
Despite broad support for the fund's establishment—by representatives from over 30 sports federations, associations and sportspersons—concerns were raised regarding the governance and oversight of the proposed fund.
Michael Esakwa, former CEO of the Football Kenya Federation, underscored the risk of the fund being mismanaged.
“Without a dedicated oversight body, there is a significant risk of mismanagement and corruption," Esakwa warned.
He urged the creation of a County Sports Oversight Committee to monitor the fund’s use and enforce transparency.
Other stakeholders echoed these concerns, suggesting that the fund's administration be kept separate from political offices to avoid interference.
There was strong opposition to allowing the fund to be managed by a designate of the County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Sports, with several advocating for independent oversight to maintain integrity in the funding process.
The need for inclusivity was another major point raised at the forum.
Esakwa noted that the current Bill lacks provisions to ensure support for marginalised groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
He recommended that at least 30 per cent of the fund be specifically allocated to initiatives targeting these groups to guarantee equitable access and participation.
Concerns about the fund's sustainability also emerged, particularly its reliance on county revenues. Stakeholders suggested alternative models like public-private partnerships—leveraging carbon credits and green bonds—crowdfunding, and sponsorships to bolster the fund's financial resilience.
According to the Senate Standing Orders, after the public participation and the committee review process, the next steps for the Sports Amendment Bill, 2024 involve the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare reporting their findings to the Senate within 30 days.
Upon presentation of this report, the Bill will proceed to a Second Reading, during which the Senate will debate its merits.