This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
Government to Establish Sports Academies in Every Constituency ¶
As of the next financial year, the Kenyan government plans to inject billions of shillings into the establishment of sports academies across all 290 constituencies.
This move is based on the 'Osotsi Bill' of July 2018, which requires the government to establish a sports academy in every constituency. The establishment of these academies is expected to be staggered over a four-year period to provide ample time for the development of supporting infrastructure and programs.
The socio-economic benefits of sports are undeniable, and the government aims to harness these benefits to create employment and generate foreign exchange for the country. However, there is evidence of inadequate investment and lack of scouting and nurturing of talent in the country.
The Constituency Sports Academies will help identify, nurture, and develop talent at the grassroots level. The Sports Act, 2013, provides that the function of the Academy shall be among other things to establish and manage sports training academies.
A parliamentary committee has proposed that the Ministry of Sports and Heritage trains sports professionals as one of the ways to impart soft skills in preparation for the construction of the facilities. The committee has also proposed that the Sports and Education ministries collaborate to enhance sports facilities in schools and colleges.
However, the current Council of the Kenya Academy of Sports needs a review. The Council is headed by Paul Tergat, a renowned athlete, and includes other respected athletes such as Tegla Lourupe and Humphrey Kayange. However, key positions remain unfilled, and amendments to the Act need to be made to ensure that appointment as a Council member does not necessarily have to be pegged on their having a sports background.
Since the mandate of the Kenya Academy of Sports extends to promotion of research in sports, it is essential to ensure that key positions are well-resourced. Talent identification and development is a process requiring various support services and activities, some of which are technical in nature.
Professionalization of sports is not just a purview of government; sports disciplines themselves require proper and efficient management. Sports federations should follow suit and save their members the constant disorganization that mars their elections and subsequent management.
Simon Mwangi is a Development Communications Specialist.
