Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi has mounted a vigorous defence of a bold push to rewrite Kenya’s sports rulebook, arguing that the nation’s athletic landscape has outgrown the laws that once governed it. Speaking on Citizen TV’s Sporty Monday, Mwangi framed the proposed overhaul as a necessary leap into a modern era for Kenyan sport.
Why Change Is Urgent
Mwangi reminded viewers that the current sports policy dates back to 2005, predating both the 2010 Constitution and the 2013 Sports Act. He painted a picture of a sector transformed since then — with new disciplines emerging, fan engagement swelling, and funding models evolving — and said the legal framework must catch up to reality.
Scope of the Reforms
This is not a tweak, Mwangi insisted, but a near-complete rewrite. The proposed Sports Act will redefine how athletes, clubs, and federations register and operate, with clear procedures and expectations laid out in law. He highlighted a dedicated department within the Ministry of Sports that will manage registration, ensuring transparency and predictability for anyone seeking to formalize a club or federation.
A Call for Public Input
Mwangi urged Kenyans with a stake in sport to read the proposals posted on the ministry’s website and to take part in shaping the final bill ahead of a national sports conference. He emphasized that public views will be woven into the legislation before it goes to Cabinet and Parliament, framing the process as collaborative and inclusive.
Future-Proofing Kenyan Sport
At its core, the reform drive aims to future-proof the sector: to make governance more responsive, funding more transparent, and administration more accountable. Mwangi portrayed the new law as a foundation for growth, one that will help Kenyan sport adapt to global trends while protecting the interests of athletes and stakeholders at home.
A New Chapter for Sport
With momentum building behind the proposed changes, Mwangi’s message was clear — Kenya’s sporting laws must evolve to match the ambition of its athletes and administrators. The proposed overhaul promises to be a defining moment for the sector, setting the stage for a more organized, professional, and resilient sporting future.
