MP Nguna champions overhaul of athlete rewards and sports funding

Mwingi West MP, Charles Ngusya Nguna, is advocating for a bill to be sponsored in parliament to review athletes' cash rewards.

Nguna, who also serves as a member of the parliamentary sports committee, has proposed that the bill ensure athletes winning gold medals in international events receive a cash prize of Ksh6 million along with an apartment.

During an appearance on Radio Citizen’s Michezo na Burudani show, the lawmaker suggested that funds collected from betting and lottery taxes by the government be allocated towards sports-related activities, including the welfare of sportsmen and women.

"We were instrumental in crafting the Sports Act of 2013, and presently, we have agreed with President William Ruto and Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba to dedicate the taxes from betting and lottery in Kenya entirely to sports. Of the 16 billion raised annually, only 35 per cent is currently allocated to sports, with the remainder distributed to other sectors, including health. This allocation must change," Nguna emphasized.

"It's disheartening to witness many athletes living in poverty and struggling. As the sports committee, we are committed, and diligent in ensuring their well-being is adequately addressed. I am in the final stages of drafting the bill, which I intend to present to Parliament soon after the resumption of sessions this week. The aim is to ensure that any athlete winning a gold medal in international competition receives six million and an apartment," he added.

"It is our responsibility to care for our athletes who serve as ambassadors for our country. If a sportsman or woman representing the nation sustains a career-ending injury, the government should provide full support for the remainder of their lives, including pension benefits. This is the vision we uphold for Kenya, and we are committed to holding the ministry accountable," Nguna affirmed.

Furthermore, Nguna highlighted the necessity of amending the Sports Act of 2013 to impose term limits for federation chairpersons, citing prolonged tenures hindering progress.

"As the parliamentary sports committee, under the leadership of Chairman Dan Wanyama, who also represents Webuye West, we plan to engage with all federations to address the issue of term limits. Regrettably, some federation heads have overstayed their positions, stalling the development of the sport. Implementing term limits will ensure governance adherence. Even the president himself is subject to term limits," Nguna concluded.