This archive report was first published on 4 January 2020.
As Kenya prepares to host several major international sports competitions this year, the need for effective planning and execution of sports financing has become increasingly important.
According to guidelines issued by Sports Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaberia last year, sports federations seeking financing from the Sports, Art and Social Development Fund must submit their requests by a specific deadline, as was the case last Tuesday.
The Sports ministry aims to disburse the funds by March, after reviewing individual requests, to ensure that teams and athletes representing the country in various competitions receive the necessary support.
Over the years, national sports federations and clubs have relied on last-minute requests for financing, which has hindered the government's ability to plan its sports financing effectively.
However, with the guidelines in place, the government can now streamline its sports financing and provide adequate support to teams and athletes.
As a testament to Kenya's financial capability to support sports, the Sports, Art and Social Development Fund has disbursed over Sh3.3 billion in its first six months of existence.
This year promises to be one of the busiest in Kenyan sports, with major competitions such as the World Rally Championship Safari Rally, the World Under-20 Athletics Championships, the Kenya Open Golf Championship, and the Tokyo Olympic Games.
With proper planning and execution, Kenya can make a significant impact at these competitions and compete for top awards.
