Ministry of Sports Suspends Funding for Select International Trips
The Ministry of Sports has announced a temporary suspension funding of for non-priority international sports competitions and programs.
In a letter, the Ministry explained that the directive is in line with an order from President William Ruto to cut down on expenditure.
“Given the foregoing, we wish to notify you that, the Ministry has suspended funding of non-priority sports competitions/programs with immediate effect,” read part of the statement.
According to the ministry, priority will only be given to teams with a high probability of qualifying for notable competitions including the Paris 2024 Olympics/Paralympics, World Championships, and African Games 2023.
The Ministry will also consider sportsmen and women participating in the East African Community Games 2023, CECAFA 2023, CHAN 2025, and AFCON 2027 respectively.
The Ministry urged sports federations to seek financial support from corporate sponsors and partners in the absence of government funding.
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All government ministries and agencies were directed to cut down on non-priority expenditure on October 3 by President William Ruto.
Ruto ordered the ministries to cut the budget by 10 percent following a cabinet meeting that resolved to reduce the financial burden on Kenyans.
The President emphasized the need for the government to exercise prudence in resource utilization, adding that wastage and corruption would not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Sports has been on the spot lately for misusing funds meant for athletes.
Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba was accused of including joyriders in international sports trips while underfunding sporting events.
Further, he was accused of purchasing fake kits which was cited as a reason for poor performance by Kenyan athletes.
“Team Kenya has never worn Adidas. They are branded by Nike. It is not the CS who brands them,” responded an official from the ministry.
Ministry of Sports Suspends Funding for Select International Trips