Osotsi tables constituency sports academy bill

What you need to know:

  • He said Section 33 (4) of the Sports Act, 2013 establishes the Kenya Academy of Sports, and further Section 34 (a) of the Act provides that the function of the Academy shall be to among other things, establish and manage sports training academies.
  • Osotsi wants the Parliament to go further and ask the government to support community clubs that have been in existence for over 20 years.

Each constituency could soon have its’ own central government-funded sports academy if a motion tabled in Parliament becomes law.

Nominated MP, Godfrey Osotsi, who tabled the bill said it has been approved by National Assembly Speaker, Justin Muturi; and is set for debate in the house.

The MP, who is also the Secretary General of Amani National Congress (ANC) party, wants the Government through the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts to establish sports academies in every constituency.

“I presented the bill after discovering the socioeconomic benefits of sports, recognizing that sports can make great and positive economic, health, social and cultural impacts on individuals, communities and wider society.

“I’m further aware that sports can be a major source of employment and foreign exchange earning in Kenya,” said the youthful Member of Parliament.

He said sports had the potential to improve the country’s economy on a large scale, if well harnessed.

“I’m deeply concerned that many disciplines remain low due to among others things, inadequate investment, scouting and nurturing of talent,” he added.

He said Section 33 (4) of the Sports Act, 2013 establishes the Kenya Academy of Sports, and further Section 34 (a) of the Act provides that the function of the Academy shall be to among other things, establish and manage sports training academies.

Osotsi wants the Parliament to go further and ask the government to support community clubs that have been in existence for over 20 years.