President William Ruto unveiled his government's plan for improving the country's ailing sports industry.
Contained in the Draft 2023 Budget Policy Statement released on Wednesday, January 18, is an elaborate plan of how the government intends to harness the potential of the sports and arts industry.
According to the Draft policy statement prepared by the National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary Prof Njuguna Ndung'u, the government will consider identifying sustainable sources for sports funding.
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“The government will consider setting up a national lottery, tax incentives for corporate sponsorship, and a dedicated or ring-fenced tax,” the policy statement read in part.
Moreover, the state intends to partner with the private sector to construct more sporting facilities including stadiums.
The lack of quality sporting facilities has prevented the country from hosting international events in the past.
Recently, Kenya missed an opportunity to stage the 2025 World Athletics Championships particularly due to the poor state of the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Japan, was granted the hosting rights.
Some of the other suggestions that were made are the introduction of county sports academies and the review of the Sports Act.
“The Government will also review the Sports Act, and establish and resource adequately a dedicated function within the Tourism Promotion Council to attract international sporting events.
“And leverage on the country’s international athletics brand to develop a domestic sports apparel manufacturing cluster,” the budget draft added.
The draft policy statement further proposed the expansion of the National Youth Talent Academy to include all sports and simultaneously devolve it to the County level.
Another strategy that the government aims to focus on is the introduction of the County Sports Talent Academy and equip it with the capacity to systematically identify promising sporting talent and provide necessary support through sponsorship to further their skills/talent.
Since his appointment as the Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba embarked on a reform agenda in the ministry and the proposed policy statements are aimed at bolstering his efforts to that end.