MP Makau opposed to Parliament proposal of approving budget for Sports Fund

The chairman of National Assembly Committee on Sports, Culture and Tourism Patrick Makau has rejected proposal by the parliament seeking to approve expenditures of Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund.

Budget and Appropriations committee chairman Kanini Kega on Wednesday while tabling consideration of the budget estimates for financial year 2022/2023 proposed enhancement of parliament oversight role of the fund,further adding that the ministry of sports should present list of projects to be funded before April 30 every year.

Makau who is a member of parliament representing Mavoko constituency dismissed the proposal saying the prerogative obligation of establishing activities to be funded by the kitty falls under the ministry of Sports and oversighted by the fund’s Board.

“Sports fund is the lifeline to Kenyan athletes and other sporting activities in the country and it falls under the ministry of Sports, culture and heritage hence national assembly should keep off the affairs of how it’s being run and managed. CDF which is allocated to us area MPs doesn’t get approved by the parliament before disbursement to the constituencies so to target Sports Fund means the entire finance act should be ammended which is not possible” he said

The Sports sector slightly received a higher allocation in the 2022/2023 national budget after Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yattani recommended Sh15.8 billion to the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund as he tabled the next financial year estimates before parliament in April this year

Yatani, said that sports, culture and arts are among the areas that contribute immensely to the country’s economic development by boosting job creation for the youth hence facilitating growth and development of the sports industry in the country

“To further support sports development and tourism recovery, I have proposed an allocation of Ksh 15.8 billion for the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund; Ksh 3.2 billion for the Tourism Fund; Ksh 1.8 billion for Tourism Promotion Fund; and Ksh 125 million for refurbishment of the regional stadia.” remarked Yatani

The fund, whose main source of revenue are proceeds from betting, gaming and lotteries, was established to offer support to sports federations, training and technical,has played an integral role in bankrolling various sporting initiatives in the country.

The construction of Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu, Wanguru Stadium in Kirinyaga, Posta Jamhuri Sports Ground, Nairobi and Kirigiti Stadium, Kiambu were all funded by proceeds from the kitty. 

Last year’s Tokyo Olympic games,WRC safari rally championship in Naivasha,this year’s Kip Keino classic and inaugural Nairobi city marathon among others are some of other internationals competitions funded by the kity

With major sporting events lined up later this year like the Commonwealth 2022 Games and World Athletics Championships, the fund would come in handy in preparations and facilitation of athletes set to represent Kenya in Birmingham and Oregon respectively.

In March this year during the 53rd edition of the Magical Kenya Open golf tournament,Cabinet Secretary for Sports Dr Amina Mohamed lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta for his decision to establish the Fund in order to help funding sports activities in the country.

“As of October 2021 the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund had collected Sh30.3 billion since it was operationalised in February 2019,and these monies have played an integral role in supporting several sporting activities in the country ranging from cushioning athletes during covid-19 pandemic, facilitation of our various teams during global competitions, improvement of our sports infrastructure like stadia among others” noted the CS

The National Sports Fund was identified as a flagship project in the Vision 2030 and given prominence in the 1st and 2nd Medium Term Plans to elevate the sports industry which has a huge potential of creating income opportunities for the youth through sports professionalism.

The main goal for establishing the Fund was to raise cash to facilitate growth and development of the sports industry in the country. In addition, the funds is used to train the necessary sports personnel and support the cash award scheme for the purpose of enhancing competitiveness among the country’s sports men and women