Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Sports, recently urged the Senate’s Standing Committee on Labor and Social Welfare to reconsider their review of the 2013 Sports Act. Instead of implementing immediate amendments, Murkomen proposed a more comprehensive set of revisions aimed at tackling foundational issues within Kenya’s sports framework. According to Murkomen, this approach would better address the structure of Kenya’s sports sector, making it both more inclusive and more cohesive with the devolved system introduced by the 2010 Constitution.
The Sports Act 2013, enacted in response to a growing demand for structured regulation in Kenya’s sports sector, is now facing criticism for its lack of alignment with modern administrative and developmental needs, especially concerning county and national government roles. Murkomen pointed out that the act, although created after the 2010 Constitution, inadequately recognizes the role of counties in sports management, thereby missing an opportunity to support sports through devolution.
During his presentation before the committee on October 31, Murkomen highlighted significant gaps in the Sports Act. He emphasized the lack of a well-defined framework that clarifies the roles of county and national governments, particularly when it comes to sports infrastructure development, funding, and facility management. This disconnect has led to administrative confusion and has prevented counties from playing an active role in sports, an area where they could potentially make significant contributions.
One recent example Murkomen shared was a stadium construction project in Kwale County, which highlighted issues arising from the lack of collaboration between county and national governments. He explained that, in this instance, project management lacked a clear structure, resulting in inefficient planning and implementation. Murkomen argued that establishing a collaborative framework between counties and the national government is essential for the effective development of sports facilities and related projects.
In light of these challenges, Murkomen’s ministry is currently drafting amendments to the Sports Act that address these structural deficiencies. The revised proposal, expected to be ready for Senate review by January, aims to redefine responsibilities, making the sports sector more compatible with Kenya’s devolved government structure. One of the central objectives of the amendment is to create a more inclusive and systematic approach to sports, which he believes can only be achieved if both county and national governments are aligned in their roles and responsibilities.
An important aspect of Murkomen’s proposed reforms includes the establishment of sports academies in each of Kenya’s counties. By creating these academies, the ministry aims to foster talent development from a young age and provide structured pathways for athletes to reach higher levels in their careers. These academies would also be designed to integrate both sports and education, ensuring that young athletes develop their intellectual and athletic abilities simultaneously. According to Murkomen, this dual approach will open up more opportunities for young people, enabling them to develop their skills and academic knowledge concurrently.
The idea of integrating sports and education within a collaborative framework extends beyond primary and high schools to also include colleges and universities. Under Murkomen’s proposal, higher education institutions would serve as centers for sports development, where promising athletes could receive support to enhance their skills. By positioning universities as hubs of athletic development, the ministry hopes to create a streamlined system where sports talent is nurtured throughout the education system, from primary school through to college.
Murkomen underscored the importance of increased funding for sports programs within educational institutions. He stated that, by investing in school-level sports programs, Kenya could build a strong foundation for its future athletes, particularly by identifying and nurturing talent at an early stage. Furthermore, Murkomen’s policy envisions that increased funding will help bridge the resource gap that has often hindered young athletes from accessing adequate training facilities, professional coaching, and other essentials that are critical for their development.
Another key component of Murkomen’s proposal includes initiatives that aim to encourage private sector participation in sports. By encouraging partnerships between the government and private entities, the ministry hopes to enhance the overall investment in sports. Private sector involvement, Murkomen explained, would not only provide additional funding but also bring in expertise that could help improve management and operational standards within the sector. Through this collaborative model, the ministry envisions a sustainable funding structure that reduces the dependency on government resources while fostering innovation and growth within the industry.
The proposed reforms also seek to address the regulatory framework governing sports associations and federations. Currently, sports bodies in Kenya operate with minimal oversight, which has sometimes led to administrative and financial mismanagement. Murkomen’s proposal advocates for stricter oversight measures to ensure accountability and transparency within these organizations. Additionally, the ministry plans to implement a set of standards that will guide the operations of sports federations, particularly in areas of athlete welfare, financial management, and governance practices.
Murkomen’s ministry is also prioritizing the improvement of sports facilities and infrastructure across the country. By developing well-equipped facilities, especially at the grassroots level, the ministry aims to make sports accessible to a larger portion of the population. In addition to traditional stadiums and fields, the proposal calls for the establishment of training centers and academies that cater to a variety of sports, thereby offering more opportunities for athletes in diverse disciplines. The goal is to develop sports facilities that meet international standards and provide athletes with environments that support optimal performance and skill advancement.
Moreover, Murkomen’s approach places emphasis on athlete welfare and support systems, particularly for youth athletes. His proposal includes establishing mentorship programs, health and wellness programs, and access to mental health support services for young athletes. These support systems would ensure that athletes receive the guidance they need to succeed both on and off the field, as well as access to essential services that contribute to their overall well-being.
The ministry’s proposal also addresses issues of inclusivity in sports, focusing on marginalized communities and underserved regions. Murkomen believes that sports can be a powerful tool for social integration and community building. As part of this inclusivity effort, the proposed amendments include strategies to encourage the participation of women, people with disabilities, and youth from marginalized backgrounds. By implementing programs that cater to diverse groups, the ministry aims to make sports more accessible to all Kenyans, regardless of their background or physical ability.
In terms of governance, Murkomen’s proposal includes measures aimed at strengthening accountability within the ministry itself. Recognizing the importance of efficient management in achieving the ministry’s goals, he has advocated for the establishment of performance metrics and regular assessments to ensure that resources are used effectively. The ministry also plans to implement a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact of its policies, ensuring that they remain relevant and responsive to the needs of the sports sector.
In advocating for these reforms, Murkomen is ultimately pushing for a sports policy that is both inclusive and forward-looking. He envisions a system where sports are not only viewed as recreational activities but as important sectors for national development, social integration, and economic growth. By building a sports ecosystem that promotes talent development from a young age, Kenya could position itself as a regional leader in athletics and sports innovation.
Murkomen’s approach reflects a broader vision for Kenya’s sports sector one that leverages both public and private resources and engages various stakeholders in collaborative efforts. Through comprehensive reforms, he hopes to establish a framework that enables Kenya to achieve excellence in sports, support young athletes, and ensure that the sports sector contributes meaningfully to the country’s economic and social fabric.
As the Senate prepares to review these proposals in January, it remains to be seen how the new amendments will transform the sports landscape in Kenya. However, if successfully implemented, Murkomen’s reforms could pave the way for a more dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable sports sector that supports athletes from all backgrounds and contributes to national growth.
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