Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Heritage Amina Mohammed assumed her role at Kencom House in Nairobi on Tuesday, succeeding Rashid Echesa. The diplomat, previously overseeing Foreign Affairs and Education, now faces pressure to address systemic issues in Kenya's sports sector.
Despite the ministry's mandate to revitalize sports, federations and clubs report persistent struggles with sponsorship and funding. The Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund Oversight Board, chaired by Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei, has been tasked with managing 35% of taxes from betting and gaming companies, though implementation remains untested.
Mohammed's immediate priorities include overseeing the Sh2.5 billion budget for the 2020 IAAF World Under-20 Championships, Sh200 million for the Harambee Stars' Africa Cup of Nations campaign, and the Safari Rally's Sh250 million funding. However, legacy projects like the 2017 stadium refurbishment program remain incomplete, with seven county venues still under construction two years after allocation.
The ministry also grapples with ongoing corruption investigations, including the 2016 Rio Olympics scandal that led to charges against former CS Hassan Wario and officials. Sports federations continue to face allegations of favoritism and nepotism, prompting calls for reforms under the 2017 Sports Act.
With 28 national federations seeking financial support, Mohammed must balance immediate demands with long-term structural changes to restore Kenya's sporting reputation.
