CS Ababu breaks down millions spent in honouring outstanding athletes in 2023

Ministry of Sports

GENERAL CS Ababu breaks down millions spent in honouring outstanding athletes in 2023

Abigael Wafula 17:37 - 29.01.2024

Sports CS Ababu Namwamba has given a breakdown of the millions that were used as a token of appreciation for outstanding sportspeople in 2023.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has disclosed the millions that were used to appreciate sports personalities for their impeccable performances last season.

Speaking during the Kenya Motorsports Federations' (KMSF) 2023-2024 Awards Gala, in Nairobi, the CS emphasised the importance of honouring the sports personalities for representing the country well.

2023 saw world records being shattered and players making history. Double world record holder Faith Kipyegon was one of the most notable athletes, breaking three world records (1500m, 5000m, and one mile) in a span of three months.

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Africa 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala and World 800m champion Mary Moraa also made history in their respective disciplines.

Malkia Strikers, the women’s national Volleyball team did not also rest on their laurels with their impeccable performance at the Women's African Nations Championship which saw them qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris, France.

These are just but a few of the wonders sports personalities achieved and the government did not let them go empty-handed as he honoured them in a special event.

“The revolutionary #TalantaHela initiative has seen hundreds of millions of shillings funneled directly into the pockets of sportsmen and women as well as the creatives, a living manifestation of pesa mfukoni (money in the pocket).

“Ksh 240 million to football under the KBC-FKF live broadcast deal, guaranteeing every KPL team at least Ksh 10 million a season and Ksh 100 million Hongera Awards package for top performers in sports & arts in 2023 alongside Kenyan legends across the two sectors.

“Over Ksh 200 million disbursed in cash awards to both individuals and teams, including rally drivers, world beaters Faith Kipyegon, Kelvin Kiptum, Mary Moraa, and Ferdinand Omanyala, and for top team performances by our national teams, specifically Malkia Strikers,” Namwamba said.

He also called on all sponsors and well-wishers to partner with the ministry in ensuring that Kenya regains the longstanding glory that motorsport has presented over the years.

Also, in attendance was Sports PS Peter Tum who predicted a bright future in the country's sports scene. Tum also urged the private sector to ensure they support the initiative of the ministry.

“The future for ministry in terms of sports and event organization is very bright. We will meet with various federations on Monday to evaluate our performance so far.

“I'm calling on the corporates to hold our hand in identifying, nurturing and monetizing talents which is in line with the #TalantaHela initiative and the BETA agenda,” he said.

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