•Acutely aware that millions of young Kenyans will be looking to me to provide the right environment to enable them to achieve their dreams as far as sports and the creative economy are concerned.
•A key cog towards the transformation of Kenyan sports into a multi-billion-sillings industry is infrastructural development by world standards.
Image: NOCK MEDIA
When H.E. President William Ruto nominated me as the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, there were, understandably, those who asked ‘Why Murkomen?’
It is a question I am inspired and challenged to answer emphatically, not through mere words but most importantly through tangible actions. I come into this Ministry with huge expectations, and responsibility, on my shoulders.
Acutely aware that millions of young Kenyans will be looking to me to provide the right environment to enable them to achieve their dreams as far as sports and the creative economy are concerned.
I am persuaded that sports, much like education, is a great equaliser in society. It enables many a talented sportsperson to unshackle themselves from the chains of poverty by exploiting their God-given talent and hard-honed skills to the highest level.
Coming into office, one of the first orders of business will be a review of the various sports policies in the country – with a view to amending them if need be.
Admittedly, our sports policies are not in tandem with the changing times and emerging issues in the industry worldwide. These issues include (but are not limited to) technological advancements (e.g. e-sports), mental health awareness, sustainability as well as diversity and inclusion.
A key cog towards the transformation of Kenyan sports into a multi-billion-sillings industry is infrastructural development by world standards.
We have lagged as a country due to the sub-optimal state of sports facilities that have cost us the chance to boost our revenues and tourism by hosting international competitions.
Even as we continue renovating different facilities around the country, my task will be to ensure they are developed as per modern world standards.
This will be possible through close partnerships with the private sector, county governments and policy experts to ensure there is a streamlined set of guidelines to enhance the construction of world-class sports facilities, countrywide.
This is timely considering the upcoming Championships of African Nations (CHAN) in 2025 as well as the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 2027, both of which we will be co-hosting.
The private sector will equally be a crucial partner in the construction of academies to enable early identification and development of sports talent across Kenya.
Whereas the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) has been pivotal in talent identification and nurturing, the government will inevitably require all hands on deck to ensure no young sportsperson is left behind – hence the inclusion of the private sector.
For as many corporations as possible to invest in Kenyan sports, they need to feel confident that they will get a rewarding Return on Investment.
As the Sports CS, on my to-do list, includes midwifing provision of incentives to corporates that invest in sports (e.g. tax rebates) as well as strengthening relationships with institutions that have historically helped develop talents – such as colleges and universities.
Understandably, corporates need assurances that their investments will not end in the pockets of a few individuals.
That is why cleaning up sports management in Kenya will be another item on my in-tray as I take up this position.
As I said during my vetting by the National Assembly on Saturday, it is inconceivable that certain people serve in sports federations without term limits.
Accountability, integrity and selfless leadership will be the main ingredients to employ in running sports in this country – from the Ministry, down to the federations. Every decision made at every level of this industry has to be athlete-centric.
Furthermore, all federations will have to undergo auditing to ensure whatever funds – whether from the government or other sources – benefit the respective athletes directly.
As is evident through the years, Kenya is a country blessed with talented sportsmen and women. If we pull together as an industry, I am confident this country will write a new chapter as a powerhouse soon and for centuries to come.
If we don’t, successful generations to who we are indebted to will forever curse us for not planting the seeds for their success.
Let us make Kenyan sports great – this is my passion and dream for this sleeping giant. I believe the time is right to awaken it. The writer is the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports – Kenya.