Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has initiated a bid to compel county governments to fund all registered sports associations within their jurisdiction.

In a statement on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, Sifuna confirmed his bid to change the face of the country’s sporting activities by amending the Sports Act.

The vocal Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General indicated that his Bill would be read for the first time on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, August 6, 2026.

If Sifuna’s Sports Amendment Bill 2024, sails through, counties will be required to fund all registered county sporting associations.

Defending the Bill

Sifuna defended his Bill arguing that at the moment most sporting activities depend on donor funds thus making it difficult to nurture talents.

However, with the governors’ support, Sifuna argued that budding talents would be nurtured and even exposed to both the national and international stages.

“On the Order Paper today, my Bill amending the Sports Act will be read for the first time. The Bill if passed will require County Governments to set aside funds to support all registered county sporting associations,” Sifuna argued.

“These associations currently rely on the goodwill of donors and sponsors. I’m certain that this will go along way in helping nurture talents across Kenya,” he added.

On the Order Paper today, my Bill amending the Sports Act will be read for the first time. The Bill if passed will require County Governments to set aside funds to support all registered county sporting associations. These associations currently rely on the goodwill of donors and… pic.twitter.com/EgB1gyg0YB

— Edwin Sifuna (@edwinsifuna) August 6, 2024

Talanta Hela

Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba launched the Talanta Hela initiative which was supposed to allow scouting of talents from all over the country through the virtual space.

It was a flagship plan to monetize talents in sports and the creative industry. The project was also set to work with the education system to identify schools that will act as academies and nurture certain sports.

“We have to reflect on how we have performed as a country over the years and ask ourselves why Nigerian music is the most popular music we listen to. Why are Kenyan-themed films shot in South Africa? The sense of this initiative is to burn the box. That is why we don’t want to think outside the box. We don’t even want the box. We need fresh thinking,” former CS stated during the launch.

However, its implementation faced some hurdles including a court order which squashed the appointment of Talanta Hela Board.

Nonetheless, if Kipchumba Murkomen is approved to take over the Sports docket, new changes would be introduced.