Nairobi — Kenyan athletes who excel in international competitions might quickly obtain money rewards of as much as Sh6 million and diplomatic passports, underneath a brand new proposal tabled in Parliament.
The movement, launched by Mwingi West MP Charles Ngusya, seeks to compel the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports activities and Arts to ascertain a nationwide coverage and standardised reward system for top-performing sports activities personalities.
If adopted, the scheme would supply Sh6 million for athletes who set new world data, Sh4 million for gold medalists, Sh3 million for silver medalists, and Sh2 million for bronze medalists.
It additionally proposes non-financial advantages, together with diplomatic passports, nationwide honours, and appointment as goodwill ambassadors.
Ngusya mentioned the plan builds on Sessional Paper No. 3 of 2005, which envisioned numerous types of state recognition and assist for athletes, together with money prizes, honours, and social safety mechanisms.
“The prospect of state recognition, monetary grants, and different perks is not going to solely encourage athletes to excel but additionally promote nationwide satisfaction,” he mentioned whereas tabling the movement within the Nationwide Meeting.
The MP additional known as for the institution of contributory insurance coverage and post-retirement financial savings schemes to assist athletes who retire on account of damage or age.
He cited the dearth of psychosocial assist and healthcare as key challenges going through many sportsmen and girls, throughout and after their careers.
Kenya has lengthy held a world popularity in athletics, with the federal government’s Imaginative and prescient 2030 citing sports activities as a key pillar for nationwide improvement and youth empowerment.
Nevertheless, many athletes proceed to battle with poor post-career livelihoods, regardless of their contributions to the nation’s international recognition.