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Ababu Namwamba believes that the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports, and the Arts, Kipchumba Murkomen, has what it takes to sustain the momentum he had set.

Namwamba congratulated Murkomen, stating that he would not have wished for a different successor and expressed confidence that the former Transport CS will take the ministry to greater heights.

Namwamba congratulates Murkomen

“I congratulate my brother, friend, and comrade, Hon @kipmurkomen. If I were to pick a successor, I wouldn’t have wished for anyone better. His knowledge and passion are beyond question. I have no doubt he will sustain the phenomenal momentum I have set and take this important space to the ultimate heights as envisaged in The Plan and the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

“I salute the @moyasa_ke Team and all partners for the support during my tenure, and thank H.E. the President for the privilege and honour to serve our great country in Cabinet, my second stint,” he stated on his X account.

Namwamba revealed he had taken a sabbatical and would be focusing on his legal practices, business, and his foundation. “I have taken a well-deserved sabbatical to enjoy my legal practice, private businesses, and the supremely fulfilling work of the Ababu Namwamba Foundation (ANF). God bless Kenya,” he stated.

Reflecting on his tenure, which commenced in September 2022, Namwamba noted that he inherited a ministry that had hit rock bottom.

“On September 27, 2022, H.E. President William Ruto graciously appointed me Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports. I inherited a Ministry at rock bottom on performance, impact, and ratings, worsened by multiple international bans on sports like football and a doping crisis,” he said.

Namwamba believes he has handed over a reborn ministry, which he is super proud of after 21 months in charge.

“Twenty-one months later, I hand over a Ministry reborn. Not only have all international suspensions been lifted and doping confronted decisively, but we have also returned Kenya to the elite league of hosting events like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“I am super proud of the incredible record I leave behind, which includes: four bills, two policy drafts to formalise the Creative Economy, revitalise Youth Empowerment, and raise Kenyan Sports to a new dimension.

“A robust Sports and Arts Infrastructure Masterplan (SAIM), whose fruits are manifest, like the new Talanta Sports City, overhaul of Kasarani, Nyayo, KipKeino, Kanduyi, and Bukhungu stadia, and the refurbished Kenya National Theatre.

“The return of Kenyan football and swimming to the international fold. Hosting of AFCON ’27 and qualifying for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup are fruits of this transformation.

“Historic international partnerships with the NBA, Grammys, Invention Studios of Hollywood, China, South Africa, India, and Cuba to power sports and creatives to new heights.

“Monetisation of sports and arts with epic initiatives like Talanta Hela and WhozNext, which have seen increased cash flow to the pockets of sportspersons and creatives.

“A Revolutionary Incentives Framework to incentivise corporates with tax rebates for increased sponsorship of sports, creatives, and events like the WRC Safari Rally, which I returned to its traditional Easter calendar and also extended the Kenyan franchise long-term.

“Challenges remain, particularly around integrity, impunity, misgovernance, and competence gaps. Good thing I already initiated requisite measures,” he concluded.