Kenya has launched an ambitious overhaul of its sporting landscape with the unveiling of the Sports Bill 2026 and a companion National Sports Policy — twin instruments designed to modernize governance, protect athletes, upgrade facilities, and turn sport into a driver of social and economic growth. The proposals promise a sweeping rewrite of how sport is run, funded and safeguarded across the country.
A unified legal framework for sport
The Sports Bill 2026 proposes a single, modern legal architecture to govern every corner of Kenyan sport — from federations and schools to coaches, agents and support staff. Drafted by a ministerial taskforce led by former SDT chair John Ohaga, the Bill would repeal the Sports Act of 2013 and replace it with an athlete-centered regime that demands transparency, democratic elections and regular audited reporting from federations and institutions such as the Kenya Academy of Sports.
Under the Bill, the national government will set standards for infrastructure, training, athlete welfare and international representation, aiming to end the mismanagement and leadership disputes that have hampered progress.
Athlete welfare at the heart of reform
A defining feature of the Bill is its uncompromising focus on athlete rights. It guarantees fair treatment, non-discrimination and protection of dignity, while mandating access to licensed coaches, physiotherapists, sports psychologists, nutritionists and medical specialists. The law requires medical insurance, injury rehabilitation, career counselling and dual-career pathways so athletes can balance education and sport.
Other protections include legal representation, regulated agents via a national register, and explicit coverage for emerging and digital sports, extending safeguards to esports competitors.
Safeguarding, gender equity and child protection
The Bill introduces robust safeguarding measures to shield minors and vulnerable athletes from abuse and exploitation. Sports bodies must adopt child protection policies, and the Cabinet Secretary will issue rules on background checks, training standards and codes of conduct for those working with young athletes. A national safeguarding office within the Ministry of Sports will monitor compliance and support affected athletes.
Gender equity is written into law, obliging federations to ensure equal access to facilities, funding and leadership roles while preventing gender-based violence and discrimination.
Clearer selection rules and a stronger disputes system
To end recurring rowbacks over national team selection, federations will be required to publish selection criteria and ensure teams are properly resourced before entering competitions. Officials who field under-resourced teams will face personal accountability for penalties.
The Bill also strengthens the Sports Disputes Tribunal, giving it exclusive jurisdiction over sports conflicts and staffing it with experts in law, finance, medicine and governance. The aim is to cut lengthy court battles that have disrupted competitions and preparations.
Infrastructure, coaching and commercialization
The National Sports Policy complements the Bill with a long-term vision to professionalize coaching, expand facilities and attract private investment. It proposes a national classification of venues into international, national and county levels with minimum safety and technical standards, a nationwide audit of facilities, and a restructured Sports Kenya focused on infrastructure and event hosting.
Coaching will be regulated through accreditation, licensing and a national registry, while the Kenya Academy of Sports will be strengthened as a centre of excellence supporting athletes up to age 22 with talent tracking, dual-career programmes and mentorship. The policy also pushes commercialization, IP protection, broadcasting rights management and tech-driven athlete monitoring.
The test ahead
The reforms present a bold blueprint, but success will hinge on political will, funding and consistent enforcement. Past initiatives have faltered at implementation, and analysts warn that the real challenge begins once the Bill moves through Parliament and the policy shifts from paper to practice. Federations, counties, schools and leagues will be watching closely to see whether these measures finally deliver a stable, professional and athlete-centered sports system for Kenya.
