NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 8 – The National Treasury has allocated Sh1.9 billion for Sports, Arts and Culture in the 2016/2017 financial year.
In his budget statement to Parliament on Wednesday, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich said the government has initiated the process of improving sports facilities in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret.
However, despite the 2017 IAAF World U18 Championships to be hosted in Kenya requiring Sh1.3 billion, the Treasury CS said the funds will be shared among the Sports, Arts and Culture departments.
“The government has established the Anti Doping Agency of Kenya and initiated the process of renovating sports facilities in all the major cities in the country. Going forward, the Government with key stake holders will continue to promote and develop Sports, Tourism, conserve national heritage and promote vibrate art culture,” Rotich announced.
“To develop, preserve and protect our culture and natural heritage, I have proposed to allocate Sh1.9 billion for Sports, Arts and Culture programmes,” the CS added.
Local Organizing Committee Chairman for the U18 Championships Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jack Tuwei, had requested a supplementary budget of Sh200 million to begin preparations for the games scheduled to be hosted at Nairobi’s Safaricom Kasarani Stadium July 12 -16.
Also needing funds is the Anti Doping Agency of Kenya that require Sh500 million even as it was declared non compliant after failing to meet the World Anti Doping Agency Code.
Rotich pointed out that the Government will partner with private sector to expand and modernize Sports facilities in the country.
“Development and support of sports culture and heritage remain a key priority of government so us to nature the talent of our youth. As you all know Kenya is known throughout the world for its disputed command of athletics.”