Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi emphasized the need for sports federations to operate with greater transparency and accountability. Speaking at a public forum in Murang’a County, which included stakeholders from Nyeri and Kirinyaga, Mwangi outlined the Ministry of Sports’ efforts to reform the management of federations to curb the misappropriation of funds meant for grassroots sports development.
Mwangi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to funding community sports initiatives, including tournaments and equipment purchases, but stressed that these resources must be used solely for their intended purposes. “Funds allocated through federations are for organizing structured tournaments and procuring proper equipment,” he said, warning that mismanagement would not be tolerated. He called for those handling public funds to be fully accountable to ensure they empower young athletes effectively.
The PS also highlighted the importance of structured sports programs at the grassroots level, advocating for well-planned competitions to identify talent and promote discipline. “We need organized games with clear schedules to track progress and nurture talent,” he noted.
As part of a national strategy to develop sports talent, Mwangi announced the establishment of sports academies in every constituency, equipped with standard facilities for athletics, football, rugby, netball, hockey, and indoor sports. In Murang’a County, construction of two academies will soon begin in Makenji (Kandara Constituency) and Mirira (Kiharu Constituency). Additionally, 37 academies and 52 new stadiums are under construction nationwide to enhance training and competition infrastructure.
The forum was part of a broader initiative to gather public input for a new National Sports Policy aimed at transforming sports governance, improving athlete welfare, and ensuring equitable resource distribution. Rachel Osendo, a member of the taskforce reviewing the Kenya Sports Act, emphasized the need for updated policies to address modern challenges in sports. She noted that the current sports policy (2002) and Sports Act (2013) require revisions to clarify roles between national and county governments and optimize sports institutions.
Murang’a County’s Chief Executive Committee Member for Youth and Sports, Noah Gachucha, expressed the county’s support for sports development, citing the recent passage of the Murang’a County Sports and Talents Act. This legislation mandates annual funding for sports and talent, allocating Sh1 million per ward across the county’s 35 wards. Gachucha also praised the Ministry’s plan to upgrade Mumbi grounds in Murang’a town into a stadium.
The Ministry of Sports encouraged active stakeholder participation to shape the new policy, which is expected to drive significant improvements in Kenya’s sports ecosystem.
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