CS Mvurya bets on new sports laws to transform sector

The draft, prepared by a ministerial taskforce chaired by John Ohaga, proposes to replace the Sports Act 2013 with a modern framework that strengthens governance, protects athletes, and aligns sports with the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.

The proposed reforms also signal a new era for Kenyan sport by establishing a National Sports Regulatory Authority to streamline governance, strengthen compliance, and raise standards across all disciplines as well as a dedicated Sports Integrity Unit to protect fair competition, ethical conduct, and clean sport.

“We have retained the Sports Registrar's function because registration and licensing is integral to the proper management of sports. We have also retained Sports Kenya. We have retained the Kenya Academy of Sports.

"We see it as the interface between the function of the Ministry of Sports and the education sector, because it provides us with the pathways towards ensuring that our talent is properly identified and nurtured,” said Ohaga.

A key feature of the reforms is the formal integration of sports into the CBE pathway. The bill provides a legal foundation for Arts and Sports Science, giving talented students a clear path from school to national representation.

“Matters of talent are now very key in our education curriculum. I advised the team to align with the Ministry of Education so that we don’t miss anything,” said CS Mvurya during the handover.

“Further, the framework advances the commercialization of sport and places stronger emphasis on athlete-centered welfare, career development, and sustainable support systems for sports persons,” he added.

The framework also proposes devolving sports management to county governments. giving county governments a bigger role in managing and promoting sports.

“Top on the list, we have tried to address alignment between national and county governments in their respective roles in the development and promotion of sports,” said Ohaga.

The measures include county sports academies, a dedicated county sports fund, and local regulation of community sports associations.

The Bill also integrates mental health services and medical insurance into the National Sports Safety Framework, recognizing athlete wellness as a critical component of development.

CS Mvurya said the draft framework is expected to go to Parliament next month. Public participation will be conducted before enactment, but the process will be fast-tracked to ensure readiness.

“I invite all Kenyans, athletes, federations, coaches, investors, and fans, to engage with the draft documents, which will be available on the Ministry’s website for the next 14 days before submission to Cabinet.

“The Taskforce will also actively engage stakeholders during this period to ensure meaningful input and alignment with constitutional requirements on public participation,” added Mvurya.