Last Thursday, the immediate former Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba wrote to the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, requesting details of individuals travelling to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games later in the month.
The move followed a request by three sports enthusiasts, who sought the roster of people selected to travel with Team Kenya to France and the amounts each would receive in allowances.
The three — Charlene Njuguna, Jolly Lanji and Bevalyne Kwamboka — demanded the actual cost of Kenya's non-competitive participants at the Games.
A day later, Namwamba wrote to Nock and referred to the Preparatory and Management Committee meeting for the Games, held on July 1o at Talanta Plaza.
Other than the pressure mounted by the three petitioners mentioned earlier, Namwamba's move might have been triggered by a government directive requiring all ministries to cut back on spending, including travel costs.
On July 6, President William Ruto announced a raft of austerity measures to address revenue shortfalls in the 2024/2025 fiscal budget caused by the withdrawal of the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
Ruto said the National Treasury will cut government spending by Sh177 billion to make room for key commitments. He said the withdrawal of the Finance Bill had left a 2.7-billion-dollar deficit in the national budget and called on measures to help manage the shortfall.
Namwamba is among the Cabinet Secretaries sent packing following a shakeup by the President on Friday. Even though he may not be in office now, his directive should be implemented, given his vision for the nation was in good faith.
Transparency is crucial in any successful organisation and is equally important in sports administration.
Transparency allows for trust and accountability, which are essential in maintaining the integrity of sports organisations and ensuring the fairness and well-being of everyone involved.
This involves providing clear and accessible information to stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, parents, fans, and the media. It also includes disclosing financial data, player contracts, disciplinary procedures and decision-making processes.
Sports administrators who uphold integrity build and maintain stakeholders' trust and confidence.
Transparency and accountability go hand in hand. When sports administrators are accountable, they are responsible for their actions and decisions.
This includes misconduct or wrongdoing within the sports organisation. Being accountable demonstrates officials' commitment to ethical practices and fair play.
Transparency and accountability are essential in preventing corruption, favouritism and abuse of power.
When sports administrators are transparent, it allows amicable dispute resolution. It also encourages athletes, coaches and other stakeholders to report suspicious or unethical behavior, without fear of reprisal.
Furthermore, transparency and accountability foster a positive image.
When officials are open and honest, it enhances the reputation of the sporting community and attracts support from sponsors and fans.
This can lead to increased funding and better resources. Efforts should be made to promote integrity in sports organisations.
