Namwamba noted that since his appointment by President William Ruto to the docket, he inherited a Ministry which was rock bottom on performance, impact and ratings
Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba on Friday, August 9 gave his scorecard showcasing his achievements for the 21 months he has been at the helm of the Ministry of Sports.
In a statement, Namwamba noted that since his appointment by President William Ruto to the docket, he inherited a Ministry which was rock bottom on performance, impact and ratings, worsened by multiple international bans on Kenyan sports like football and a doping crisis.
“21 months later, I hand over a Ministry reborn. Not only have all international suspensions been lifted and doping confronted decisively, but we have also returned Kenya to the elite league of hosting events like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),” he stated in part.
He showcased what he termed as an incredible record that included four bills and two policy drafts to formalise the Creative Economy, revitalise Youth Empowerment and raise Kenyan Sports to a new dimension.
Former Sports CS Ababu Namwamba presents a dummy cheque of Ksh10 million to Junior Starlets after their 2-0 victory over Burundi on June 16, 2024. /ABABU NAMWAMBA
Namwamba also expressed pride in coming up with a robust Sports and Arts Infrastructure Masterplan (SAIM), whose fruits are manifest, such as the new Talanta Sports City, overhauling of Kasarani, Nyayo KipKeion, Kanduyi and Bukhungu stadia and the refurbished Kenya National Theatre.
“Return of Kenyan football and swimming to the international fold. Hosting of AFCON’27 and qualifying for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup are fruits of this transformation. Historic international partnerships with NBA, Grammys, Invention Studios of Hollywood, China, SA, India and Cuba to power sports and creatives to new heights,” he further stated.
“Monetisation of sports and arts with epic initiatives like Talanta Hela and WhozNext which have seen increased cashflow to the pockets of sportspersons and creatives. Revolutionary Incentives Framework to incentivise corporates with tax rebates for increased sponsorship of sports, creatives and events like WRC Safari Rally, which I returned to its traditional Easter calendar and also extended the Kenyan franchise long-term.”
Namwamba however cited challenges that remain, particularly around integrity, impunity, misgovernance and competence gaps, though he noted that he had already initiated requisite measures.
The former CS congratulated his successor, Kipchumba Murkomen, stating “If I were to pick a successor, I wouldn’t have wished for anyone better.
“His knowledge and passion are beyond question. I have no doubt he will sustain the phenomenal momentum I have set and take this important space to the ultimate heights as envisaged in The Plan and the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),” he added.
Further, Namwamba thanked President Ruto for giving him the chance to serve the country at the Cabinet level for nearly two years.
He concluded by announcing that he took what he terms a well-deserved sabbatical, to enjoy his legal practice, private businesses and the supremely fulfilling work of Ababu Namwamba Foundation (ANF).
According to its website, the foundation is a private charity founded in 2003 under the umbrella of Ababu Namwamba Attorneys-at-Law, to support community development through three key pillars: Education, Economic Empowerment and Talent Development.
Its flagship initiative is the Ababu Scholars program through which academically endowed but economically challenged girls and boys are awarded scholarships to pursue their education dreams at various levels.
Since its inception in 2003, the foundation has supported the education of hundreds of young people across the country. Dozens of Ababu Scholars have graduated from different levels of the academic ladder and are serving their communities and the country in various capacities.
President William Ruto and former Sports CS Ababu Namwamba with the Olympics team at State House, Nairobi on July 5, 2024. /PCS