President Uhuru Kenyatta's directive that all national teams
representing Kenya be fully funded by his government has excited sports
stakeholders.
Speaking on Sunday at the refurbished
Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi during the Beyond Zero Half Marathon,
President Kenyatta assured athletes that the government would fund all
national teams.
"Sports will take centre stage in my
government's agenda this year," President Kenyatta said. "Our athletes
are the shining star of Kenya, so all national teams, be it in netball
or rugby, will be funded by my government. We have put in place a fund
(Sports Fund) to take care of that and I want to tell the athletes that
they will not lack uniforms or training shoes."
The
directive, which was supported by Deputy President William Ruto in a
separate statement, comes at a time a cash-strapped an ill-prepared
Kenya Sevens rugby team endured a weekend to forget in the World Ruby
Sevens Series in Canada.
The team, coached by Paul Murunga, lost 36-12, 35-12 and 36-21 to Fiji, Samoa and hosts Canada in their pool.
"That
(directive) is welcome news. A huge relief. Our teams have struggled to
produce positive results all season and that's partly because
financially we are running on empty," Kenya Rugby Union chairman Richard
Omwela said on Sunday.
Football Kenya Federation
president Nick Mwendwa welcomed President Kenyatta's statement, saying
that operations at the federation have been hampered by cash flow
problems on the side of government. "The President said the same thing
in 2017 and our hope now is that it is implemented to the letter," said
Mwendwa.
"We have consistently faced delays in funding
by the government. We have a big (2019 Africa Cup of Nations
qualification) match against Ghana next weekend and up until now, the
government has not responded to our request of facilitating tickets to
fly in (Micheal) Olunga and (Victor) Wanyama. We also have an issue with
delayed allowances for the national women’s team players dating back to
last October. The president is serious but now the action has to be
taken because we do not wish to be talking about money all the time."
Kenya
Volleyball Federation secretary-general Ben Juma expressed hope the
government will avail the Sh55 million budget needed to prepare national
teams this year.
Women's volleyball team will compete
in the FIVB Women's World Cup in Japan in September, 2020 Olympic Games
qualifiers, and Africa Nations Championship. Kenya will also compete in
Africa U-21 beach volleyball games in Algeria next month.
"Our
teams are among the best in the continent but we lack resources. If we
can get the financial support required, we will dominate
internationally," said Ben Juma.
Kenya Golf Union
chairman Lucas Maranga said: "It (the President's directive) is a good
thing but it’s easier said than done. We hope the fund should be managed
effectively.”
DAILY NATION
DAILY NATION
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