National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged Members of Parliament to amend the Sports Act and reform the operations of the Sports Fund to ensure direct financial support to local sports clubs. Speaking during a gala dinner honouring top AFC Leopards performers in Bungoma County, Wetang’ula emphasized the urgent need to channel a portion of the billions allocated annually to the Sports Fund towards grassroots and community-based sports teams.
The Speaker expressed concern that despite substantial funding over the years, the bulk of resources have been directed to national teams and infrastructure development, leaving local clubs, including FKF Premier League teams, struggling with financial hardships.
“We need to look again at the Sports Act and how the Sports Fund operates,” Wetang’ula said. “A reasonable portion of the funds Parliament allocates should go directly to support clubs helping them pay players, access training facilities, and nurture grassroots talent.”
He highlighted that financial constraints have severely affected clubs’ abilities to manage daily operations, provide for players’ welfare, and compete in leagues. He argued that direct investment in clubs would have a transformative effect on the entire sports ecosystem from community tournaments to professional and national levels.
“Kenya has immense talent, but without adequate support at club level, this potential remains untapped,” Wetang’ula warned.
He also urged MPs on the Departmental Committee on Sports and Arts to spearhead legislative amendments that would institutionalize equitable distribution of the Sports Fund. The current framework, he said, lacks clear provisions for club-level funding, making it difficult for most clubs to access resources.
His remarks come amid growing calls from sports teams for predictable and structured funding. Club leaders have pointed to low sponsorship, high operational costs, and minimal county support as key challenges to sustainability.
Boniface Ambani, President of AFC Leopards, backed the Speaker’s proposal, noting that while national priorities are important, strengthening club foundations is crucial for long-term sports development.
Wetang’ula also called for increased dialogue with the Ministry of Sports and the Sports Fund managers to explore more inclusive and practical funding models that uplift local talent and empower youth through sports.
