Ababu Namwamba has promised to resolve the Kenya-FIFA stalemate once approved by the National Assembly Committee on Appointments
On Friday, October 21, while appearing before the Speaker Moses Wetangula-led committee for vetting, Namwamba stated that he would call FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, and convince him to lift the ban imposed on Kenya.
“If I was to be sworn into office, my first morning in the office, I will be on the phone with Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, to resolve the ban on FKF and Harambee Stars.
"In my first 100 days, I will listen, to federations, sports people themselves and stakeholders so that together we draw a road map to return sports to the distyle it belongs,” Ababu Namwamba noted.
The CS nominee, who also served as Sports minister in the coalition government between 2012 and 2013, gave various solutions to problems facing the sports docket in the country.
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He also spoke on the latest suspension and banning of athletes accused of doping, arguing that rogue agents may have a hand in fixing the runners.
“We have rogue agents who do not seem to obey or have any regard for the law of the land. I have reason to believe from past experience and information available to me that they might be the syndicate that is drawing part of our people, especially athletes into doping cases," Ababu added.
The Sports CS nominee added that he will ensure that the Kasarani Sports Academy is elevated to become a focal point for naturing talent in the country.
He also noted that he will try to create a similar academy to that in France, Clairefontaine, that has produced the likes of Thiery Henry and Kylian Mbappe.
Ababu also committed to returning international broadcaster Super Sport to air live Kenyan football matches to expose raw talent.
On the issue of incomplete projects, more so on the stadiums that have not been finished or built, Ababu noted that all commitments ought to be fulfilled.
He cited the Kamariny Stadium, which stalled at 40 per cent, noting that it does not give a better return on investment.
"Stadiums should be integrated facilities where sports people and artists can do more activities. I call for the redesigning of the facilities," Namwamba advocated for technology and new trends to be adopted in construction of stadium.
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