This archive report was first published on 2 November 2019.
Kenya's sports ministry is in disarray, threatening the country's chances at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The power struggle between Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed and Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaberia has been ongoing for eight months, with no end in sight.
Ms. Mohamed, who has been in office for eight months, has been at odds with Mr. Kaberia, who has served at the ministry for a long time. The tension between the two has led to a breakdown in communication, causing confusion and delays in the distribution of funds to sports teams.
Recently, several sports federations threatened to hold demonstrations if the government failed to release finances to their teams. The National Olympic Committee had to step in to provide for the Kenya Lionesses and Kenya Sevens teams, enabling them to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifiers.
Despite the National Sports Fund clearing Sh94 million for disbursement to the teams, the funds never reached the beneficiaries. The ministry's priorities are unclear, and it is alleged that some technocrats are appropriating money meant for teams, creating confusion and chaos.
President Uhuru Kenyatta must intervene to restore sanity and save sports in Kenya. The current state of affairs is unacceptable, and immediate action is needed to prevent further damage to the country's sports development.
