Motion to unlock millions for Nairobi sporting clubs filed

Nairobi county assembly majority leader Peter Imwatok has moved a motion seeking to operationalise a 2017 Sports Fund law to compel City Hall to finance sporting institutions.

He wants the fund to start facilitating teams starting 2024-25 financial year.

In moving the motion, Imwatok said sporting institutions are missing out on important calendar events due to lack of funds.

If the motion is enacted and acted upon, clubs such as Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards and others that depend on philanthropy of politicians, businessmen and other well-wishers may enjoy better futures and run their activities unhindered. 

The fund to be unlocked is contained in section 10 and 11 of the county’s Sports Management Act of 2017.

“This assembly resolves that the county executive [for sports] operationalise the Sports Fund as envisioned under Sections 10 and 11 of the Nairobi City County Sports Management Act, 2017, and further that the funds be utilised in supporting sporting teams in the county,” the motion reads.

It adds that City Hall “factors monies in the Budget Estimates for the FY 2024-25 for purposes of the fund.”

To make the availing of the funds a reality, the assembly wants City Hall to act on the decision of the house three months after it has been enacted.

“[City Hall must] develop and submit to the county assembly regulations contemplated under Section 16 of the said Act within three months of adoption of this motion. The regulations should among other things provide for the management of the Sports Fund,” the motion reads.

The assembly faults the executive for failing to implement the sports law enacted in 2017, yet the funds are needed to support training, research and development of sporting talents in the county as a means to creating jobs and generating more revenue for public good.

“…. the Nairobi City County Assembly enacted the Nairobi City County Sports Management Act, 2017 to provide for the management, promotion and regulation of sports in the county; noting that, Section 11 of the said Act provides for the establishment of the Sports Fund whose purpose among others is to fund the training, research, development and capacity building of sports activities in accordance with the Sports Plan contemplated under Section 8 of the said Act,” the motion reads.

The failure to implement the law and unlock the monies to the sporting clubs have hindered growth and expansion of sporting talents as clubs struggle to take part in meaningful tournaments, turning the club leaders into beggars.  

“[The lawmakers are concerned that] despite these clear provisions of the law, the county executive is yet to establish the Sports Fund to support sporting activities in the county as envisioned in the Act thus hampering the development of sports," the motion says.

"...[and] that, sporting teams that represent the county in various national competitions have been turned into beggars depending on well-wishers, which is not only heartbreaking but humiliating as well.”