National Assembly · Morning Sitting
Wednesday, 1 October 2025
Hon. Clive Gisairo urged the House to adopt a formal reward scheme and establish sports academies, arguing that Kenya has sufficient resources to invest in youth sports and that legislation is needed to guarantee annual budgeting. Hon. Beatrice Kemei backed the motion, emphasizing the importance of proper training facilities, welfare provisions, and protection against exploitation, especially for female athletes, and called for the motion to be upgraded to a Bill. Both speakers framed sports development as an economic opportunity and a means to reduce politicisation of athletic achievements. Members discussed the need for a comprehensive legislative and financial framework to support Kenyan athletes, emphasizing medical coverage, post‑career financial education and systematic compensation. They highlighted gaps such as inadequate health benefits, lack of investment in male athletes, and missed opportunities in sports tourism, urging the Ministry to enact a policy. The motion received broad support despite criticism of current shortcomings. Members highlighted sports as a key driver for Kenya's economic growth and international branding, urging the government to enact supportive legislation and invest in talent development. While expressing enthusiasm for Kenya's athletic achievements, they criticised the lack of concrete action and called for sports to be integrated into Vision 2030 and employment strategies. The debate called for a shift from traditional exports to leveraging sports for foreign exchange and job creation.
I direct that the Quorum Bell be rung for 10 minutes.
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
Serjeant-at-arms, you may now stop the Quorum Bell. Let us proceed. Who is tabling the Papers on behalf of the Leader of the Majority Party? There are no Papers. Let us proceed to the next Order.
The Statement by Hon. Beatrice Elachi is to be responded to. She is not here, so I will skip that. Is the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education here? Has he tasked anyone to respond on his behalf? Let us move to the Statement by Hon. Stephen Mogaka, the Member for West Mugirango. He tasked Hon. Jerusha Momanyi to receive the response on his behalf, but she is not here. So, we will…
diminishing the size of land available for agriculture; noting that there is need to put in place measures for effective land use in the country in order to guarantee optimal use of agriculture; now therefore, this House resolves that the Government, through the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, puts in place a policy framework for effective land use in rural areas by…
Hon. Members, when a Member is not present and they have sought a response to their Statement, then the response will not be given. It will just be tabled. Hon. (Dr) Eve Obara, kindly table the response because Hon. Elachi is not present.
[(Hon. (Dr) Eve Obara laid the Statement on the Table)]
Hon. Ngusya, move your Motion.
Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker for giving me this opportunity to move this Motion. Before I move, I wish to request Members to listen keenly because we have been proudly tweeting about sportsmen and athletes, but it is high time we start rewarding them.
Hon. Ngusya, just read your Motion as is on the Order Paper.
Well guided. Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg move: THAT, aware that sports play an integral role in promoting cultural heritage, national identity, national development, the well-being of the people and sustenance of livelihoods, particularly of the youth; appreciating that Sessional Paper No.3 of 2005 provides a framework for sports development and operationalisation in the country; further appreciat…
[[The Deputy Speaker (Hon. Gladys Boss) left the Chair] [The Temporary Speaker (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) in the Chair]]
Thank you, Hon. Charles Nguna. Mheshimiwa, you may proceed.
Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to second the Motion by my colleague and friend on developing a reward policy for the sportspeople in this country. This will dignify the people who participate in sports, break records, and win awards nationally, regionally, and internationally. This Motion would never have come at a better time than now, when the country seems to be at its best in terms …
We are seeking equity through this policy. Sometimes, we make decisions emotionally. Colleagues, let us support this Motion and ensure that the country has a policy on rewards. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Hon. Nabwera. Hon. Members, I will start with Hon. Ruweida Obo, Member for Lamu East, please proceed.
[(Question proposed)]
Asante Bi Spika wa Muda. Ninaomba kuchangia Hoja hii. Kwanza, ninampongeza Mheshimiwa kwa kuileta jambo hili. Michezo ikipangiliwa itakuwa jambo lenye maana kubwa kwa sababu itawapatia wachezaji morali. Kama vile ilivyosemekana, pengine kutakuwa na Rais mwingine ambaye hatapenda michezo, kila mtu ana mambo anayopenda. Rais wetu, Alhamdulillah, William Samoei Ruto, ameonyesha mfano mzuri kwa kuunga…
Hon. Ruweida Obo, do not get distracted by the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture. He does not know much Swahili as you do. Just ignore him. I can see him telling you what that is in Kiswahili. He does not have the capacity to do so. Just proceed.
[(Laughter)]
Niko naye hapa karibu ili leo asikie Kiswahili vizuri, kisha ataniuliza kile hajaelewa. Kuna michezo mingine shuleni ambayo tukizingatia hizi mbinu au sheria, zitaleta morali na wanafunzi watakuwa na bidii zaidi katika michezo. Sasa hivi, kuna neno nenwa. Huu ni mchezo ambao watu wengi hawaujui. Nafikiri, Bi Spika, itabidi nizungumze kwa Kiingereza, tunasema spoken word. Hiyo pia ni aina ya mchez…
Mimi nampongeza sana na naunga mkono. Ninaomba tuiunge mkono kwa sababu itainua vijana wetu. Hii itafanya vijana ambao hawana kazi wapate motisha. Michezo kutolewa kwa Wabunge kumetuathiri sana. Vijana wetu wangekuwa na shughuli kupitia michezo badala ya kuangalia tu michezo ya Manchester United na wengine. Ninajua tu timu hiyo moja kwa sababu nilikuwa nikiifuatilia kitambo kabla mchezaji Ronaldo …
Mhe. Wa Lamu East, tunakujua kwa ubabe wako wa Kiswahili. Ningependa kukuambia kwamba kwa sababu ulianza kwa lugha ya Kiswahili, tungependa umalizie na lugha hiyo. Kwa sasa, unachanganya. Kanuni zetu za Kudumu hazikubali kuchanganya lugha.
Asante sana, Mhe. Spika wa muda. Lamu East ni Lamu Mashariki. Ni rahisi tu kuisema.
Hon. Members, the time being 1.00