- During his manifesto launch, the President-elect enumerated sports agenda promising to build a sports garment industry in the country.
President-elect William Ruto on Monday signaled a new order for the sports sector saying he would ‘work hard and deliver on the dreams that have stagnated’ even as the stakeholders urged the new regime to swiftly intervene to salvage the country’s football fortunes.
In his first address few hours after the Supreme Court affirmed his victory, the incoming Head of State offered a ray of hope to the sports fraternity when queried by a journalist on what his plans were in sports and especially on the stadia issue which became prominent highlight of failed campaign promise for the outgoing regime.
“The same way the people of Kenya have made my dream come true, that a citizen from nowhere can make it, I will work hard and we will deliver on these dreams that have stagnated.”
During his manifesto launch, the President-elect enumerated sports agenda promising to build a sports garment industry in the country. He also termed sports development in the country as an important hub, especially for job creation.
“We must create a big sports garment industry out of our sportsmen and women because everywhere in the world if you say this shoe comes from Kenya, the sporting nation, you will get a premium price for it,” he said then.
Football has been wallowing in limbo since FIFA came down hard on Kenya in February due to government interference and AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda asked the incoming government to take "proactive steps" to ensure that the suspension is lifted.
He said the apex body’s decision to suspend Kenya has cast a shadow over the future of the sport and its players in the country.
“Football has come to a standstill in the country since we were suspended and it is important that we get back to normalcy as soon as possible. As stakeholders, we are hoping that the new administration will work hand in hand with the world governing body to make sure that the suspension is lifted,” said Shikanda.
FIFA rules say its member federations must be free from legal and political interference.
Former Kenya Boxing Federation (KBF) chairman John Kameta on his side said the new administration faces a full in tray at the sports department and he called for more boxing facilities in the country.
“Young boxers are encouraged to work hard when they see sporting facilities around them and so far we don’t have enough. I hope the new administration will be keen to improve the state of boxing in the country going forward because that is the only way to grow the sport. We need more facilities,”stated Kameta
His sentiments were echoed by Kenya Prisons volleyball coach David Lughaho who added that whoever will be appointed Sports CS will walk into the Ministry with his work cut out.
“Indoor games like volleyball have been given much attention yet we have in many times put this country on the global map. We want the new government to consider building indoor arenas and this will spur the growth of the sports. The biggest challenge in Kenya is not whether there is talent but lack of the facilities,” said the former Malkia Strikers head coach.
Former World 800m champion Wildfred Bungei wants the incoming government to establish an athletics kitty to enable athletes to plan for retirement.
“It is important for the legends to be rewarded for their efforts when they were active. Many retired athletes wallow in abject poverty because I think the government has not put proper mechanisms to ensure these athletes are well off once they hang their boots. It’s always a shame to see former athletes struggling to put food on the table despite their sacrifices for the country,” the legendary athlete told Citizen Digital.
Thank you, come again!