Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has told those keen on a trip to the Paris Olympics to foot their own bills if they are not part of the athletes or key personnel.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has maintained his stand on the need to weed out joyriders from Team Kenya’s delegation to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Namwamba insists his ministry will ensure only participating athletes and key support personnel get on the plane to Paris with government officials and politicians who desire to cheer the team told to foot their own bills.
“In the sprit of austerity measures, there is no space or room for joyriders in Paris. There is only space for team Kenya to fly the Kenyan flag,” Namwamba said when the team was officially flagged off by President William Ruto on Friday.
17:21 - 28.06.2024
Namwamba cracks whip on federation officials who hold multiple roles to enjoy undeserved trips
Sports CS Ababu Namwamba has directed federation bosses to cease holding multiple positions to improve accountability and ensure separation of duties.
“Team Kenya is going to be very lean but we have provided information to everybody who wishes to travel to Paris. To the governors, members of Parliament and public, you are welcome to travel to Paris to cheer Team Kenya at your expense.
“Even the government delegation is going to be at the bear minimum. We have to tighten the belt in every space.”
Namwamba’s sentiments come after President Ruto announced a cut on unnecessary travel as well as other expenses to reduce government spending amid the financial challenges the government faces.
07:30 - 06.07.2024
Team Kenya’s Paris Olympics ceremonial kits get lukewarm reception from Kenyans
Kenyans have given varied views over the designs for Team Kenya’s Paris Olympics ceremonial kits following their unveiling on Friday.
It remains to be seen if those the message targeted will heed the advise given Kenya is fond of sending huge delegations to such events with a big number of them not having much to do.
Namwamba’s announcement follows a directive he made to sports federations to ensure officials do not hold multiple roles.
A number of sports federations have bosses who also double up as technical officials and find themselves enjoying trips to international events at the expense of some more deserving athletes or coaches.