National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on Members of Parliament to urgently amend the Sports Act to allow sports funds to be channelled directly to local clubs.

The remarks come as most clubs in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League continue grappling with underfunding challenges and are now restructuring ahead of the new season.

He said the current structure is failing grassroots teams and leaving young people vulnerable to crime due to a lack of economic opportunities.

Speaking on Sunday, 27 July 2025, during a church service in Sirisia, Bungoma County, Wetang’ula acknowledged the growing frustration among sports clubs across the country, especially as the new season approaches without clear funding.

He pledged to rally lawmakers to fast-track legislative changes that would ensure clubs receive direct financial support.

“There is an urgent need to amend the Sports Act so that funds don’t get lost in bureaucracy. Let the money go directly to clubs where it will support players and nurture talent,” Wetang’ula said.

The Speaker said that many clubs, particularly in rural areas, are on the verge of collapse due to chronic underfunding, despite the government setting aside resources through the Sports Fund.

“Our young people are idle not because they want to be, but because they lack structured support. If well-funded, sports can employ thousands and steer youth away from crime,” he added.

Wetang’ula further linked the rise in criminal activities, particularly in Western Kenya, to youth unemployment and lack of income-generating activities, urging leaders to take action beyond rhetoric.

“There is growing theft and insecurity in our villages because our youth are idle. When young people are busy with football, athletics or other sports, they don’t have time for crime. We must give them something to do,” he noted.

The Speaker, who is also the area’s political patron, promised to personally engage with MPs, especially those on the Sports and Education committees, to ensure the proposed amendments are drafted and tabled in the House.

Several local football and athletics clubs have in recent weeks raised alarm over insufficient support from the government, noting that delayed disbursement of funds and lack of direct access to the Sports Fund have crippled their operations.

“If we don’t act now, we will lose an entire generation of talented athletes to poverty and hopelessness,” Wetang’ula warned.

He urged county governments and national leaders to work together in supporting the youth through well-managed, directly funded sports initiatives.