Ababu Namwamba announces new reward scheme for outstanding athletes

GENERAL Ababu Namwamba announces new reward scheme for outstanding athletes

Abigael Wafula 17:11 - 13.06.2023

The Ministry believes that Kenya’s number export to the world is the sportsmen and women.

Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba has promised that going forward, athletes who post exemplary performances shall be given the recognition they deserve.

Namwamba revealed that the Ministry of Sports will reexamine the reward scheme that has been dormant for a while and ensure that world beaters are rewarded handsomely, be it in individual or team sports.

He added that they initially did not have an idea on how to award teams that perform well, for instance, Harambee Stars, but now they have laid out a plan to cater for everyone.

“I am pleased to note that the Ministry has completely overhauled the reward scheme for our sportsmen and women.

"Back then, Kenyans who broke world records didn’t know what to expect but now they know what awaits them when they do well. The new and refined scheme is ready and available. It will cover both individual and team sports,” he said.

He revealed the reason behind having a new scheme is because the Ministry believes that Kenya’s number export to the world is the sportsmen and women.

“At the ministry, we are convinced that sportsmen and women brand the country in a manner that nothing else can and we must honor them,” he said.

Namwamba added that as part of the reward scheme, the Ministry will also partner with the government to ensure that the sportsmen and women can benefit from affordable housing and live in dignified habitats.

He noted that in the past, many athletes who have retired ended up homeless and such cases have raised concerns but going forward, that will be past tense.

“We’ve found out that many retired athletes have ended up homeless but this is now past sense since we are working with the Government to ensure our athletes live in dignified homes,” he said.

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