Sports CS Namwamba Cautions Federations Against Sports Act 2013 Noncompliance
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has issued a stern warning to sports federations in the country that are yet to align themselves with the Sports Act 2013, saying that they will be dealt with accordingly.
Namwamba was speaking during a meeting between his ministry and representatives from 113 sports federations and organizations Monday at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
“Why is it so difficult to follow the law?
“Just follow the sports act and accede to the law and respect the constitution of Kenya. We will never touch a federation that is following the law and engaging in good governance, but for those ones who don’t want to follow the law, we will come for you,” warned Namwamba.
Regarding the tendency of some federations hiding under the umbrella of international sports bodies, Ababu says the government is in contact with respective global federations to ensure compliance with Kenyan laws.
“I usually talk to your international bodies.
“I talk to FIFA, World aquatics and the others, don’t think you are the only ones talking to them and I have made it clear to most of them that sports in Kenya is big, sports in Kenya are important and we have told them to help us so that sports in Kenya can be run properly.”
Namwamba has also insisted on federations heads respecting their term limits as a way of fostering the integrity of sports management.
“If your constitution has term limits, please obey the term limits because even the presidents of this country obey term limits.
“Some of you were in office when Daniel Moi was president; they were there when Mwai Kibaki was in power, they were still in office during the reign of Uhuru Kenyatta and are still in leadership this time around when William Ruto is president and am sure they are planning to say goodbye to Ruto as they remain in office,” he concluded.
The review of the Sports Policy (2002) and Sports Act (2013) has started with the changes expected to be ready in July for discussion in Parliament to seek to improve governance structures in sports federations to help tame constant wrangles besides coming up with policies for grassroots development.
