President Kenyatta Calls For Government Funding Of National Teams

President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed that all national teams representing the country should receive government funding.

"Sports will take centre stage in my government's agenda this year…Our athletes are the shining star of Kenya, so all national teams, be it in netball or rugby, will be funded by my government. We have put in place a fund (Sports Fund) to take care of that and I want to tell the athletes that they will not lack uniforms or training shoes," the President announced at the country’s Beyond Zero Half Marathon last weekend. 

Speaking on the announcement Kenya Rugby Union chairman Richard Omwela stated, "That (directive) is welcome news. A huge relief. Our teams have struggled to produce positive results all season and that's partly because financially we are running on empty."

The move has also been welcomed by the President of the Football Kenya Federation Nick Mwendwa who stated, "The President said the same thing in 2017 and our hope now is that it is implemented to the letter.”

"We have consistently faced delays in funding by the government. We have a big (2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification) match against Ghana next weekend and up until now, the government has not responded to our request of facilitating tickets to fly in (Michael) Olunga and (Victor) Wanyama. We also have an issue with delayed allowances for the national women’s team players dating back to last October. The president is serious but now the action has to be taken because we do not wish to be talking about money all the time," he added.