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The Floorball African Championship games, slated to take place at Kasarani Stadium in September this year, are on the brink of paralysis due to a cash crunch.

The Kenya Floorball Federation failed to secure the Sh5 million it sought from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports to organize the competition, which has already attracted ten countries.

The federation had requested funding to cover various expenses, including hiring the championship venue, arranging training grounds, accommodating players, purchasing playing gear and uniforms, transporting teams, and facilitating awards.

Although the championships are planned to take place from September 12 to 15, the federation has not yet secured the necessary venue and training grounds – despite having initiated preparations for both the men’s and women’s national teams.

Federation president Paul Maina stated that the Kenyan national team aims to reclaim the title of African floorball Kings and Queens.

Maina, who had submitted a proposal seeking comprehensive support from the government, was shocked by the Ministry’s response.

The Ministry indicated that it had limited resources and was focusing on priority events such as the Olympic Games and infrastructural development.

“We wrote to the Ministry seeking financial support for the African Championship games, but we were stunned by their response. The Ministry informed us that they had limited resources and were funding sporting activities on a priority basis,” he told journalists.

“The Ministry will not be able to support the upcoming event due to its limited resources. It is currently concentrating on priority events geared towards the upcoming Olympic Games and infrastructure development. We look forward to partnering with you on future events and endeavors,” Jaxon Indakwa, Deputy Director of Sports at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, wrote to Maina.

So far, countries such as Cameroon, Uganda, Mozambique, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso, among others, have confirmed their participation in the upcoming competitions.

Maina revealed that the federation has been doing everything possible to promote the sport and develop talent, but their efforts have been hampered by inadequate funding.

According to national team captains Vincent Kiptoo and Lea Imali, the players are ready for the matches.