Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has revealed the substantial financial appreciation extended to sports personalities for their outstanding performances during the last season.
The disclosure was made during the Kenya Motorsports Federations’ (KMSF) 2023-2024 Awards Gala in Nairobi, where the CS underscored the significance of recognizing and honoring athletes who have represented the country exceptionally well.
The year 2023 witnessed remarkable achievements, with athletes breaking world records and making history. Notable figures include double world record holder Faith Kipyegon, who shattered three world records (1500m, 5000m, and one mile) within three months. Additionally, Africa 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala and World 800m champion Mary Moraa left an indelible mark in their respective disciplines.
The Malkia Strikers, the women’s national Volleyball team, showcased exceptional performance at the Women’s African Nations Championship, securing qualification for the Olympic Games in Paris, France.
In acknowledgment of these remarkable feats, the government hosted a special event to honor sports personalities, ensuring they did not go unrewarded. Sports CS Ababu Namwamba announced the disbursement of over Kshs. 200 million in cash awards to individuals and teams, including rally drivers, world-beaters Faith Kipyegon, Kelvin Kiptum, Mary Moraa, Ferdinand Omanyala, and the outstanding performance of the national team, Malkia Strikers.
Namwamba highlighted the impact of the revolutionary #TalantaHela initiative, channeling hundreds of millions of shillings directly to sportsmen, women, and creatives—a tangible demonstration of putting “pesa mfukoni” (money in the pocket).
He further detailed financial support for football, including a Ksh 240 million investment in the KBC-FKF live broadcast deal, ensuring each Kenyan Premier League (KPL) team receives at least Ksh 10 million per season. Additionally, a Ksh 100 million Hongera Awards package was allocated for top performers in sports and arts in 2023, alongside Kenyan legends in both sectors.
Namwamba called on sponsors and well-wishers to join the ministry in restoring Kenya’s historic dominance in motorsport. Sports PS Peter Tum, also present, envisioned a bright future for the country’s sports scene.
Tum urged the private sector to support the ministry’s initiatives, particularly in identifying, nurturing, and monetizing talents, aligning with the #TalantaHela initiative and the BETA agenda. The ministry plans to evaluate its performance with various federations on Monday, underscoring the optimistic trajectory for sports and event organization in Kenya.
