Plenty to cheer from Nasa, Jubilee campaign pledges

A view of the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. PHOTO | FILE |

What you need to know:

  • Lofty promises to take Kenyan sports to the next level.
  • Sports infrastructure, athletes’ welfare, governance, hosting world events feature in both manifestos.
  • Other achievements include winning the bid to host the IAAF World Under-18 Championships.

Both the ruling Jubilee Party and opposition’s National Super Alliance (Nasa) coalition have promised to upgrade existing sporting infrastructure, nurturing youthful talents, and hosting international sports events should they form the next government.

According to their respective manifestos launched this week, the Jubilee Party have also pledged to bankroll top football clubs such as Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards. These two teams have been dogged by financial challenges for a long time. 

“This is the best news for community football clubs. If implemented, I am certain AFC Leopards can transform into a continental giant in less than two years. We have the talents, the resources to nurture them has always been a challenge,” Leopards secretary general Oscar Igaida said.

There is no mention, however, of these financial aid being extended to other sports disciplines such as volleyball, hockey, rugby and cricket. Nasa, have also vowed to “transform” sports by pledging better governance through strengthening the legal and institutional arrangements of government and sports associations. This the opposition say, will get rid of corrupt individuals and consequently attract funds from the private sector.

Meanwhile, the ruling party has included the rehabilitation of the Moi and Mombasa stadiums in Kisumu and Mombasa Counties respectively, among its key achievements since assuming power four and a half years ago. 

Other achievements include winning the bid to host the IAAF World Under-18 Championships. The event  will cost the taxpayers about Sh1.5 billion, and is set for Moi International Sports Centre between July 12-16 July.

VOICED ITS DISPLEASURE

Curiously, however, there is no mention of the country’s preparations for next year’s African Nations Championship football tournament in both manifestos.

The continental body recently voiced its displeasure with the pace of preparations for the championships and hinted they had an alternative host should Kenya fail to meet requirements.

Jubilee has not only promised to finalise the construction of three major stadiums in Nairobi, Mombasa and Eldoret in the next five years, but has also undertaken to upgrade regional stadiums in Kiambu, Makueni, Elgeyo Marakwet, Marsabit, Nyeri and Chuka. The Jubilee government does not, however, offer an update on two other world class stadiums it promised to construct in Garissa and Nakuru counties.

“These three facilities will be of international standards. Already we have identified the land, done the feasibility study, and settled on the architectural design. I can confirm that the Nairobi stadium will be located along Ngong Road, whilst those in Eldoret and Mombasa will be built around Moi University and Shimo la Tewa respectively,” Sports Kenya’s public relations officer Rakki Asman said. 

JUBILEE PLEDGES
1. Continue to provide and improve sports facilities by finalising the construction of three major new stadiums in Nairobi, Mombasa and Eldoret along with the Kenya Academy of Sports.

2 Upgrade regional stadiums in Kiambu, Makueni, Elgeyo Marakwet, Marsabit, Nyeri and Chuka.

3. Encourage and support national football clubs, invest in setting up youth teams and provide the sporting facilities required to nurture and develop young talent.

4. Protect athletes from doping by sustaining anti-doping education and sensitisation campaigns through the proposed National Culture and Arts Fund.

5. Implement the Finance Act of 2015.

JUBILEE ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Upgraded and rehabilitated Kisumu Moi Stadium, Mombasa Municipal Stadium and Uasin Gishu Kipchoge Stadium.

2. Established a Sh100-million National Sports Fund.

3. Set up Kenya’s first international sports academy.

4. Successfully bid to host intentional sporting events and set to host the International Association of Athletics Federations  (IAAF) world youth championships in July 2017.

NASA PLEDGES

1. We will work with stakeholders to transform and strengthen the legal and institutional arrangements of sporting infrastructure including of government agencies, sports associations and all sporting structures.

2. We are committed to develop the sports industry as an opportunity to grow our economy and create substantial employment for the youth.

3. By working with county governments to develop sports and infrastructure in all parts of Kenya, while paying particular attention to the needs of the youth. 

4. Develop world class facilities and aggressively pursue hosting of regional and international sports events.

5. Priority will be on sports which only require upgrading existing facilities.

6. Leveraging on our athletics prowess, we should be able to host at least one international athletics event a year.

7. Nasa will establish a sports marketing function within the Kenya Tourism Board.